#NnewiDecides debate: ‘Candidates that abstained are cowards’

As Diaspora Digital Media hosts Hon. Ikedoji live Wednesday over upcoming Nnewi North LG election

A United Kingdom-based political analyst, Mr. Chuks Daniels, has described the candidates that abstained from Nnewi North Local Government chairmanship #NnewiDecides debate held on Sunday, September 22, 2024, at Ibeto Hall, Nnewi Hotel, Nnewi, as mere cowards.

Mr. Daniels made the remarks during an interview following the debate which saw only the candidate of the Young Progressives Party (YPP) in attendance.

The #NnewiDecides debate had as its theme: “LGA Autonomy: The Imperative for A Greater Nnewi.”

Prior to the debate, which was sponsored by Diaspora Digital Media (DDM), all major contestants were invited.

The invited candidates include Hon. Echezona Anazodo of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) and Mr. Uba Chidiebere Nonso of the Labour Party (LP).

Other are Mr. Orizu Eyinna Timothy of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Amb. Paul Muoneke of the Young Progressive Party (YPP) and their All Progressives Congress (APC) counterparts.

Out of the invited contestants, however, only YPP’s Amb. Muoneke turned up, while others shied away.

Muoneke, who turned the event to one-man-show, seized the opportunity to sell his candidacy to Nnewi residents.

On their part, Nnewi residents in attendance also responded in kind, asking pertinent questions relating to his antecedents and manifesto.

Daniels kicks against #NnewiDecides debate cowardice

Speaking to Diaspora Digital Media after the #NnewiDecides event, Mr. Daniels said:

“As far as we are concerned, Nnewi debate is a resounding success.

“I spoke to the candidates that abstained themselves from the debate and they are cowards.

“They cited security concerns and fear for their lives.

“They failed to attend even after I assured them of adequate security. How can cowards aspire to be leaders?

According to him, the failure of the candidates from the All Progressives Congress (APC), APGA, LP, and PDP to attend #NnewiDecides event is a testimony to their foreseen failure as people’s representatives.

Nkanuzu lambast the #NnewiDecides debate cowards

Another concerned indigene of Nnewi, the Director of Nnewi Museum and Umudim Nnewi Library, generally known as Nkanuzu Nnewi, also spoke up after the #NnewiDecides debate.

Nkanuzu regretted the lackadaisical attitude of the candidates, calling out the absentees.

Speaking in a statement entitled “Post-Debate Reflections on NNEWI DECIDES 2024“, he said:

“We held the highly anticipated NNEWI DECIDES 2024 town hall debate, themed “LGA Autonomy: The Imperative for A Greater Nnewi.”

“The debate was designed to offer all candidates running for the position of Chairman of Nnewi North LGA the opportunity to engage directly with the electorate and present their vision for the future of our community.

“Despite our efforts to ensure inclusivity and fairness, including postponing the debate twice, and handed over management of the event to accommodate the concerns of all political parties, the candidates from APC, APGA, LP, and PDP did not attend.

“Their absence raises questions, as we made every provision to ensure their participation and fairness in the process.

“On the other hand, the YPP candidate stood before the people of Nnewi today, made a compelling presentation, and answered every question posed by both the panel and the audience.

“This is the kind of accountability and leadership we believe Nnewi deserves—leaders who are willing to face the people, engage transparently, and explain their plans for governance.”

“Candidate who cannot stand before the people”

Speaking further on the absence, Nkanuzu wondered how a candidate who cannot stand before the people during a crucial moment of civic engagement at #NnewiDecides debate will lead transparently if elected.

He said further: “We must also address the absence of the other candidates. This was not due to miscommunication.

“We shifted the debate dates and made every accommodation, but when it came time to engage with the people they are hoping to serve, they chose not to show up.

“This speaks volumes!

“If they cannot stand before the people now [at #NnewiDecides debate], during a crucial moment of civic engagement, how do we expect them to lead transparently if elected?

“The debate was never about party politics; it was about providing Ndi Nnewi the chance to make informed decisions about the future of our local governance.

“By refusing to participate, these candidates missed a critical opportunity to communicate directly with the community.

“Their absence hasn’t gone unnoticed. Ndi Nnewi, we are at a critical point.

“We deserve leaders who are accountable, visible, and committed to facing the people they hope to serve.

“Elections are not just about promises; they are about trust, transparency, and engagement.

“We urge you all to reflect deeply on the choices before us as we move toward Election Day.

“Thank you to everyone who showed up today and engaged in this important civic duty.

“We look forward to continued dialogue as we strive for a brighter future for Nnewi,” Nkanuzu concluded.

Ikedoji to speak on upcoming Nnewi election

Hon. Augustine Ike (Ikedoji)

In a related development, Diaspora Digital Media will, on Wednesday, 25th September 2024, host a scheduled livestream program ahead of the upcoming Local Government election which is more or less a follow-up to the #NnewiDecides debate.

The program will have as its topic “Local Government Election in Anambra State: Nnewi election in Perspective“.

The special guest will be the member representing Nnewi North LGA in the Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon. Augustine Onyekachukwu Ike (Ikedoji).

Interested persons are urged to participate.

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