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From Uchenna Inya, Abakaliki
Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has dethroned traditional rulers in Amasiri, Afikpo Local Government Area of the state.
He also sacked a Commissioner from the area, Professor Amari Omaka (SAN), who is in charge of tertiary education.
The Governor also dissolved the entire political and traditional leadership structure of the area over a violent attack against Okporojo, Oso Edda in Edda Local Government Area of the state, during which four persons were beheaded and their heads taken away.
The governor announced the sweeping sanctions yesterday afternoon during an on-the-spot assessment visit to Okporojo, Oso Edda, where he addressed residents, community leaders, security agencies and government officials.
Nwifuru, who was visibly angry over the killings, described the attack as “most unfortunate” and said he never expected such a level of brutality to occur in the state. He assured the affected community that the state government would decisively deal with those responsible for the mayhem, stressing that the lives lost would not be in vain.
He urged residents to remain calm and embrace peace, warning that retaliatory violence would only worsen the situation. According to him, government actions would be firm but guided by the need to prevent further escalation of the crisis.
Nwifuru revealed that the conflict had lingered for years despite several reconciliation efforts, including boundary agreements between the affected communities, lamenting that such agreements were not respected. He noted that his visit was a “strong signal” that the state would no longer tolerate lawlessness or disregard for the rule of law.
Turning to the role of the Amasiri Community in the crisis, Nwifuru issued a stern warning, stating that violence would never lead to a meaningful resolution. He cautioned that the situation was fast approaching “a point of no return” if provocations continued.
Consequently, the governor announced the immediate dissolution of the Amasiri Town Development Union and its executive members, the withdrawal of the traditional ruler’s certificate, and the removal of all village heads in the Amasiri autonomous community.
He also ordered the sack of all political appointees from the Amasiri community, from members of management committees up to commissioners serving in his administration.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to restoring permanent peace in Edda LGA and promised that by next year, the community would witness tangible improvements resulting from government intervention.
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“I am particularly very saddened. I regret this kind of development. I’ve never in my whole life expected this kind of development. It’s quite unfortunate. But if you are a careful leader, you speak less when you are very angry, and at this very moment I will speak less. But I want to assure the people of Okporojo autonomous community, the government of Ebonyi State will definitely show to the perpetrators what made them government and you will see it happen.
I promise you the lives lost will never be in vain by the special grace of God. I am seeking words to use at this moment, so that I will not escalate the war. But I plead with all of you to maintain peace. At the end of the day, those that started the war will regret it. My visit here today will sign a very bold signature on your face.
“By the end of work today, by the special grace of God, you shall see the outcome of it. And I promise you, as far as I’m your governor, this kind of attitude, this kind of rascality will never happen to you again in Jesus name.
“The Chairman of Afikpo is here. He’s known for his doggedness, for his peace- loving attitude, for his dispositions to obey the rule of law and for that.
“But if it is his subjectS that are not aware of the provisions of the law, and decided to take life at will, I said to him, it’s a pity. And I know you know what I’m supposed to say. I decided to use that word, it’s a pity.
“If you see a quiet person, ordinarily don’t push him to the wall. I’ve been pushed to the wall at this moment. I’ve been pushed to the wall. I’ve been hammering on this. I’ve been discussing this with the two local government chairmen with the stakeholders. And on so many occasions they disagreed and agreed to the extent of tracing the boundaries that had been agreed. And this matter did not start today. It has gotten to the point of return at the moment.
“I sent this message to the people of Amasiri. It’s a pity. Last time they said I was taking sides. If you know me very well, I don’t take sides. I am not that kind of person that believes because you have somebody, because you know somebody then I will not speak the truth. It is only the truth that can make you happy.
“It’s only the truth that can bring peace to your family. And that is why I always say the truth the way I see it. And ask God for forgiveness if I ever wrong anybody.
“My message to the people of Amasiri is to have a rethink because violence will never lead them anywhere. I also heard that the Akpoha community blocked their road because the Amasiri people were coming to attack them. And I say, look, it has already gotten to the point of no return.
“So, Amasiri should be careful of their actions. We love them. We adore them. We believe that they have men that still have character. I still believe that they still worship God.
“So on this note, for the time being, the development union executive and all of all the villages in Amasiri communities are hereby dissolved. The traditional ruler certificate is thereby withdrawn. All the government appointees from Amasiri are thereby sacked.
“All the government appointees from the management committee down to the commissioner anyone from Amasiri is hereby sacked. All the village heads in all Amasiri villages in all the autonomous communities are hereby removed. For the time being we will do more. And we will show everybody why we’re government,” the Governor said.
