The National President of Orlu Regional Assembly (ORA USA), Chief Chris Onwuzurike Upon

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The National President of Orlu Regional Assembly (ORA USA), Chief Chris Onwuzurike upon assuming the office of the presidency of ORA USA created fivecommittees, and appointed affiliate members to represent each committee. Their task according to the newly elected president is to ‘tackle essential organizational mission previously unseen prior to his assuming office.’ Chief Lolo Ebere Akuechiama was appointed to represent ORA Houston, and simultaneously chair the Women Affairs committee. In addition, she can appoint two additional individuals on an advisory capacity i.e. those individuals have no voting rights. The Orlu Women Progressive Union Houston alleged that Lolo Akuechiama selected three of their members to work with her without the consent of OWPU leadership. The OWPU made a formal complaint to ORA Houston through their leadership. ORA Houston accepted the complaint, and promised to resolve the issue. After several debates on the issue by members of ORA Houston, conclusion was reached that the OWPU can resolve the issue according to their policy. In addition, ORA Houston recommended that Lolo Akuechiama choose the appointees through the OWPU leadership.

The resolution reached by OWPU, and communicated to Chief Lolo Ebere Akuechiama through a letter dated April 13, 2010 was “as long as you, Lolo Ebere Akuechiama is serving in any capacity in ORA USA Women Affair committee, same committee that you appointed our members without our consent, we, OWPU Houston will no longer associate with you and effective immediately you are no longer welcome into our midst…However, if you choose to disassociate yourself with the ORAUSA Women Affair Committee, we will welcome you back into OWPU Houston with open arms.”

During the last general meeting of ORA Houston, The President, Chief Jude Akuechiama in his opening remarks informed members of ORA Houston of the imminent conditional expulsion of his wife from the OWPU membership. Members asked the President to exclude himself from the matter and set up a committee to look into the issue. In addition, through a majority vote, ORA Houston suspended the 2010 Mother’s Day celebration pending the resolution of the matter.

The first meeting of the committee was held on April 23, 2010 at De Village Restaurant. The committee members are as follows: Chief Jerry Anyaehie (Akuruoulo 1 of Isu) Chair, Chief Gordy Ogo (UguchukwuTurube 1 of Isunjaba), Nze Emeka Mmereikwu (Agunaechemba 1 of Orlu), Chief Calistus Nnabuife (Ugoumuna 1 of Umuowa), Chief Collins Uwakwe (Onwa of Nkume), Mr Charles Obi, Ansalem Ibeh (Omekannaya), Mr. Jasper Ojo, Mr Chidi Chige, Sir Chris Asunnu, and Sir Finbarrs Ogoh.

The first meeting started at approximately 6:50PM with an opening prayer and the blessing of kola-nut. Members discussed the contents of the letter addressed to Chief (Mrs.) Ebere Akuechiama by OWPU and what it meant. At the conclusion of the meeting, it was decided that both parties be invited to the next committee meeting to hear both sides of the issue. A member of the committee was designated to inform both parties of the invitation.

The next meeting was held on April 28, 2010 at De Village Restaurant. Chief Mrs. Ebere Akuechiama was present. The OWPU members did not come due to scheduling conflict. Chief Jerry Anyaehie explained to Lolo Akuechiama why she was invited, and asked her to explain what led to the letter.

She said prior to the last ORA USA National Convention held in Dallas, she called Dr. Mrs. Judy Ikeagwu, President OWPU, and generally inquired of OWPU plans of the convention, and how to get the women more involved in the organization’s activities. She told her that nothing specifically was planned other than fundraising through the brochure. During the questions/answers at the convention, she asked Chief Achike Udenwa, then Minister of Commerce, “how can our government help us in diaspora to have access to funds to enable finance our businesses?” She gave example with the Asians, and how their governments work in conjunction with them to own banks which enable them to finance many of their businesses. She also told the Minister that she set up a small micro financing program in her hometown of Awo Omemma, and the women receive funds through the program for their businesses. After the election, Chief Chris Onwuzurike told her that he would want to create such committee and would want her to head the committee. At the conclusion of her statement, members of the committee asked her several questions. Questions such as: was the OWPU aware of such appointment? Why did you select members of OWPU without the consent OWPU leadership? Would you accept the OWPU to appoint who would work you? The first question, she said that she kept the leadership informed throughout the process. On the second question, she also informed the OWPU president of her intention. On the third question, she said no because she knows who has the capability to get job done. Finally, members thanked her for coming, and dismissed her.

At the conclusion of the meeting, it was agreed that the committee should seek further clarification from the National President who made the appointment. A member of the committee was designated to seek for the inquiry. The inquiry was made, and the president responded to the committee’s request through a letter dated May 11, 2010. In that letter, he detailed the process of the appointment, and their various responsibilities.

The last meeting was held on May 12, 2010 at De Village Restaurant. Sir Collins Uwakwe (Onwa) chaired the meeting in the absent of Chief Jerry Anyachie. The meeting started at approximately 7:40pm. Chief Calistus Nnabuife led the committee in opening prayer. After the opening prayer, and the chairman’s opening remarks, introduction was made. Present from the OWPU are Dr. Mrs Judy Ikeagwu (President OWPU), Dr. Ify Obi (Assistant secretary), Lolo Ify Okafor (Financial Secretary), Dr. Nkeiru Asiegbu (Secretary), and Baby Ann (Provost). The committee members also introduced themselves to the women. The chairman asked to hear their side of the issue regarding the letter to Lolo Akuechiama. Dr. Judy Ikeagwu said that the letter was written to her after the executive body and the general body of OWPU members made the decision. In addition, the case was brought to the men to resolve, and the men asked them to go and resolve the issue however they deem fit. The men also told them that they did not support the appointment of Chief Mrs. Ebere Akuechiama. They asked, why did we summon them? A member of the committee asked whether the letter was intended to expel her. They responded that she was given an option. The letter was read to the members. The women finally detailed their side of the issue, and answered all the questions by the members. From their point, they did not really support the appointment, and they were not really against the appointment. They alleged that Lolo Akuechiama’s actions after the appointment led to the current situation. According to Dr Mrs. Ikeagwu (OWPU President), there were several e-mail exchanges, and alleged telephone conversations between her and Lolo Akuechiama. The committee believes that these conversations were not relevant to the facts of the issue.

The committee concluded its inquiry after three meetings, and was ready to deliver its findings and recommendation/s during the last general meeting of ORA Houston. Prior to the meeting, we found out that we did not consider other critical information which has the potential to impart the committee’s final outcome. As a result, the committee asked for additional time to look into the information before reaching our final conclusion. During the committee’s fourth meeting, the new information was made available to all the members of the committee.

After various and thoughtful deliberations, the committee reached these recommendations:

Expulsion of Chief Lolo Mrs. Ebere Akuechiama from OWPU

On the expulsion of Lolo Akuechiama, the committee believes that our primary goal as members of ORLU REGIONAL ASSEMBLY HOUSTON and elsewhere is to recognize that we formed these organizations for peace, progress, brotherhood/sisterhood just to mention few. It is critical that we keep these goals in mind whenever we come in contact with our fellow Orlu Person. In reality, we are brothers and sisters here in the United States. We also know that as human beings, we are imperfect, and there is no exception. The committee believes that Chief Lolo Ebere Akuechiama did not commit any crime or offense that warrants expulsion from ORLU WOMEN PROGRESSIVE UNION. Consequently, the committee strongly and respectfully disagrees with the punishment. For these reasons, the committee is recommending to Orlu Regional Assembly, Houston that OWPU be strongly advised to re-admit Chief Mrs. Ebere Akuechiama to OWPU unconditionally.

The appointment of Chief Mrs. Lolo Akuechiama by the Chief Chris Onwazuruike (National President-ORA)

The committee inquired about the appointment from Chief Onwazuruike who made the appointment on the validity, scope, powers, and duties of the appointees. He was cooperative and thoughtful. His reply to our inquiry simplified the committee’s work. We cannot change this appointment, or compel her to choose individuals who may not have the spirit, or the commitment to work for others on a non-compensatory capacity. Let us encourage those individuals who devote their energy, time, and resources towards the betterment of our ORLU People both here and home. Based on his reply, and the interviews we conducted, the committee is recommending that her appointment stand. Secondly, the committee believes that it is her privilege to choose individuals she deems fit for job.

Chief Jerry Anyaehie (Akuruoulo 1) Chair

Chief Gordy Ogor (UguchukwuTurube 1 of Isunjaba)

Nze Emeka Mmereikwu (Agunaechemba 1 of Orlu)

Chief Calistus Nnabuife (Ugoumuna 1 of Umuowa)

Chief Collins Uwakwe (Onwa of Nkume)

Mr. Charles Obi

Ansalem Ibeh (Omekannaya)

Mr. Jasper Ojo

Mr. Chidi Chige

Sir Chris Asunnu

Sir Finbarrs Ogoh