Leadership Tussle in Enugu City Boy Movement Raises Concern Over Unity and Due Process

The Southeast Resilience and Support Group (SERSuG) has called for calm, fairness and respect for established organisational processes in resolving the growing leadership dispute within the Enugu chapter of the City Boy Movement.

The crisis has drawn the attention of political observers and regional stakeholders, with warnings that the situation could undermine unity and discipline within the organisation if not carefully managed.

At the heart of the controversy is the alleged move to introduce a parallel woman leader for the movement in Enugu State, despite the earlier appointment of Ambassador Mrs. Amaka Nweke by the national leadership of the group.

In a statement signed by its Coordinator, Prince Chris Azor, SERSuG expressed concern that attempts to override a nationally-recognised appointment could create unnecessary tension within the movement and damage its credibility.

According to SERSuG, the national leadership of the City Boy Movement had already appointed Ambassador Nweke as the Woman Leader for the Enugu chapter, a decision the group said had been widely acknowledged by members familiar with her long-standing political and community engagement.

The organisation noted that Ambassador Nweke has built a reputation over several decades as a grassroots mobiliser, women’s advocate and development-oriented citizen who has contributed significantly to civic initiatives in Enugu State.
“Her record of involvement in community development and women empowerment initiatives has earned her respect across various segments of society,” the statement said.

“The introduction of another woman leader within the same structure could raise concerns about possible political interests and internal manoeuvres aimed at altering an already established leadership arrangement.

“Any effort by individuals within a state chapter to circumvent decisions made by the national leadership for personal or factional reasons could create avoidable conflicts and weaken the organisation.

“The attempt to create parallel leadership structures where a legitimate appointment already exists sends the wrong message and risks generating perceptions of favouritism, exclusion or political manipulation,” the group said.

The group recognized Enugu State’s historical role as a political and cultural centre for the Igbo people. “For decades, the city has served as a meeting point for citizens from different parts of the South-East, including Anambra, Imo, Abia and Ebonyi states, as well as Igbo communities living in Delta, Rivers, Edo, Benue and Kogi states.

“This unique diversity requires political actors in the state to exercise caution and responsibility in their actions, particularly on issues that could generate unnecessary friction among communities that have traditionally coexisted peacefully.

The group also warned that internal disagreements among Igbo political actors have historically weakened the region’s ability to speak with a united voice on national issues.

The group referenced the views of the late Nigerian literary icon Chinua Achebe, who once argued that the country’s greatest challenge was the failure of responsible leadership.

“Achebe’s observation remains relevant whenever political actors prioritise factional ambitions above fairness and institutional integrity.

“Similarly, historian Kenneth Dike had emphasised that the republican tradition of the Igbo people places strong emphasis on discipline, respect for due process and collective responsibility in leadership.

“When these principles are ignored, the consequences could affect not only individual political organisations but also the broader unity of the region.

“We call on Ohanaeze Ndigbo and other respected Igbo leaders and elders to take interest in the matter and encourage a peaceful resolution.

“We also appeal to the Governor of Enugu State, Barrister Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, and other South-East governors to engage relevant stakeholders and help ensure that the situation does not escalate into a wider political confrontation.

According to the group, the Enugu State Government has consistently projected an image of political stability and inclusive governance, adding that such an environment should not be undermined by disputes within political organisations operating in the state.

SERSuG further called on the leadership of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to demonstrate greater coordination in managing support groups associated with its political structures.

SERSuG emphasised that respect for legitimate appointments and institutional processes remains essential for maintaining credibility and unity within political movements.

For Ndi Igbo, the group added, the issue carries a deeper lesson. “A people who consistently advocate justice, fairness and inclusion within the Nigerian federation must first demonstrate those same values within their own political and social structures.

“Unity has always been the greatest strength of the Igbo nation,” the statement noted. When internal rivalries and narrow interests overshadow collective responsibility, that strength becomes diminished,” the statement concluded.