Gov. NWIFURU: We’re committed to returning peace to Effium community
The Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru has reiterated the commitment of his administration towards ensuring that peace returns to Effium community, in the Ohaukwu Local Government Area of the state.
A Government House Statement issued by Dr. Monday Uzor, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Nwifuru, indicates that the governor said this at the weekend, when the people of Ohaukwu paid him Christmas homage at his country home, Oferekpe Agbaja, in the Izzi Local Goverment Area of the state.
The statement made available to SummitNews quotes Governor Nwifuru as saying that Effium and Ezza-Effium people who have long been at war, are kith and kin and appealed to them to sheave their sword in the interest of peace, while promising that the state government will resolve their difference without bias.
The statement reads in part, “I urge the waring groups to give peace a chance, since government is ready to settle their matter without bias. I also call on stakeholders of Ohaukwu Local Goverment Area
to join hands and ensure that peace completely returns to Effium community.”
The people of Effium and Ezza-Effium, in the northern parts of Ebonyi State have been in crises for the past four years, over who are the real aborigenes of the mineral rich community, lying at the borders of Ebonyi and Benue States.
Responding to calls for the release of people held at Correctional Centres in connection to the crisis, the governor said, “I have heard your request regarding the release of those in detention as a result of the crises. I have directed the peace Committee headed by Ambassador Franklin Ogbuewu to profile all inmates in various Correctional Centres as a result of the Effium crises.”
He also said, “unfortunately, in the preliminary findings, it was observed that some inmates from the community who are in the Correctional facility for some criminal cases are now claiming to be detained because of the communal clashes, hence the need for thorough investigation before their release. So as soon as the committee is done, they will be released.”
Nwifuru, however, commended Ohaukwu people for their sustained collaboration and support for his administration, in a bid to deliver good governance to the people of the area.
Earlier in his remarks, the leader of the delegation, Senator Anthony Agbo expressed gratitude to the Governor for embarking on projects that have positive impacts on the lives of the people, including appointments of their sons and daughters into strategic positions in government.
Senator Agbo appealed to the governor to consider the release of those who have been held in the Correctional Centres for close to four years as a result of the crises.
