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From Uchenna Inya, Abakaliki
Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has vowed to sign the execution of the killers of HRH, Francis Igwe l, the traditional ruler of Ndufu-Alike Ikwo, Ikwo Local Government Area of the state, if convicted to death sentence.
The late monarch was kidnapped and murdered by suspected kidnapers on his way to church in March this year. Some suspects have been arrested and arraigned in connection to the crime.
Nwifuru said his administration has forwarded a bill to the State House of Assembly, seeking to make kidnapping a capital offence in the state. He stated this last weekend during the funeral ceremony of the late traditional ruler in the deceased home town.
The governor condemned the gruesome murder of the monarch, describing it as barbaric, unfortunate, and an affront to the traditional institution, while calling for collective efforts to eliminate criminality in Ebonyi State and Nigeria.
He said the late monarch lived a life defined by vision, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to the advancement of humanity, adding that his contributions to public service and community development remained remarkable.
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“His contributions to public service were equally remarkable. Beginning from his election as Councillor representing Ndufu-Alike, he demonstrated uncommon leadership, integrity, and dedication to grassroots governance,” Nwifuru said.
He recalled that Eze Igwe’s outstanding performance at the grassroots earned him the confidence of his people who, subsequently, elected him to represent Ikwo North in the then Anambra State House of Assembly for two consecutive terms.
The governor lamented that the monarch, whom he described as a respected traditional ruler, accomplished administrator, educationist, and elder statesman, suffered such a tragic and heartbreaking end.
“His gruesome murder remains a tragic reminder of the cruelty of evil and the urgent need for all of us to remain united in our collective resolve to defeat criminality in every part of our dear state and nation,” he stated.
Nwifuru added that although no words could adequately heal the wounds caused by the monarch’s death, his family, community, and Ebonyi State would continue to draw inspiration from his legacy of honour, service, humility, and patriotism.
The late Eze Francis Igwe was the father of the former Deputy Governor of the state, Dr. Eric Kelechi Igwe.
