Ahead of the Enugu Timber Market Union election slated for November 6, there are signs of a looming crisis.

In a move to avert the trouble, a group made up of former chairmen, former secretaries, elders and leaders of thought in the Enugu Timber Union, New Era, Enugu South Local Government Area, addressed journalists in Enugu, warning against imposition of candidates and violation of an age-long zoning arrangement.

They called for a level playing field for every contestant, insisting that any move to introduce strange guidelines and disenfranchise anyone could lead to a crisis.

Those present at the press conference were Chief Vincent Onyia, former Chairman, Chief Benjamin Aniogbo, former Chairman, Chief Levi Obi, former Chairman, Chief Ndubuisi Nnamani, former Chairman, Chief Stanley Okenwa, former Secretary, among others.

“The main reason for this press briefing is to intimate the good people of Enugu state about the upcoming general elections in the union on the 6th November, 2024; and our resolve for a crisis free elections.

“We are not partisan and we are not supporting any candidate but only concerned about a peaceful conduct of the election in accordance with the constitution of Enugu Timber Union.

“We are calling on the chairman and the executives, patrons and trustees of Enugu Timber Union to conduct the election in accordance with the constitution of Enugu Timber Union without any addition or subtraction.

“We are calling for a level playing field for all the candidates to ensure a free and fair, peaceful and credible election on the day of the election,” they stated, while warning that a violation of the zoning formula and introduction of strange guidelines could spark a crisis.

Enquiries showed that the looming trouble in the market bothers on an agreement which has been in operation in the market for decades.

DAILY POST