Umuaka News24

This recent unveiling of the past is the most fundamental thing that needs to be addressed as far as Obinwanne Umuaka is concerned. Sweeping it under the carpet is completely unacceptable and would amount to cowardice. It could also threaten all the ongoing discussions. We have to be just before being generous.

We have spent the past several weeks shouting ourselves hoarse, chasing so-called communally owned assets, not knowing that a greater elephant would come into the discussion. A real can of worms has been opened, and the genie is already out.

Obinwanne Umuaka currently awaits to hear the loud voices of people who have demanded truth and justice and have claimed to hold the moral high ground.

This is the time for them to speak up and to be heard. We are waiting and watching. All the amalas who swear to tell the truth via some gods. All the Christian to profess their riteousness garnished with biblical references. No other discussion is more important than this one.

My position in the debate between Obeapku and Amako is not inconsistent with my position here. I said then that under the old Umuaka, the issue of seniority of villages was relevant. I also pointed out that the government recognises autonomous communities now based on dates of creation and recognition. That has not changed.

However, my advice was ignored, and the two communities continued to fight for seniority. In that process, they have produced a historical document that clearly shows the historical order of seniority of the old 10 villages of Umuaka.

What is needed is an acknowledgement of that historical past and, where necessary, an apology to Obinwanne Umuaka for the fraud and deceit carried out against it over the years. Truth begets reconciliation. Obeakpu has used the document to cement its position of seniority over Amakor. It is there fair to say that based on the same document they relied on, they also accept the position that Obinwanne Umuaka as presently constituted has historically been senior to both of them.

We just want an acknowledgement of the historical fact, that’s all. There in lies the distinction between my earlier comments and the current situation.

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