The Ebonyi State Council of Elders has called on political actors to embrace peace amid the anxiety trailing the recent judgement of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja.
The Elders who made the call while briefing newsmen in Abakaliki on Friday, said the council would not allow destructive elements to ruin their state.
The Chairman of the Elders Council, Chief Ben Okah commended Governor Umahi for the massive infrastructural transformation in the State.
“That we are very happy with the performance of the Governor Engr Dave Nweze Umahi in Ebonyi State vis a vis solid infrastructural development, solid long term development plans for Ebonyi State and solid stride in building human infrastructure.
“We are happy with the peace and tranquillity existing in Ebonyi because of the security apparatuses set up in the state, particularly the Ebubeagu outfit which has limited the rate of crime drastically.
“We are happy with the even spread of infrastructure and appointments in all the local governments of Ebonyi State.
“We have confidence that the Governor with all his achievements in the state and with limited resources can do well as the President of Nigeria.
“We are however very disturbed by the antics of some elements based in Abuja and those who belong to the PDP political party. These people are hell-bent on distracting the smooth running of the Ebonyi State Government and hence attempting to ruin the peace and tranquillity existing here.
“One of the reasons for the giant developmental strides of Governor Dave Umahi is because of the peaceful atmosphere that pervades all nooks and crannies of the state.”
The Elders expressed reservation with the recent ruling of the Federal High Court in Abuja and called on the Governor to remain focused while exploring all legal avenues to reclaim the mandate of the Ebonyi people.
“We cannot, therefore, stand akimbo while these destructive elements whose track records are well-known ruin Ebonyi State
“We condemn vehemently the action of these people who have taken their fights to an Abuja court to canvass for the removal of Governor Dave Umahi and his deputy from office for the reason of crossing from a moribund and a crisis-ridden PDP to APC which has a great Leader President Muhammadu Buhari. A move which is to emancipate the Igbo race.
“These people who are guided by inordinate ambitions are employing every form of blackmail and fake information to cause mayhem in Ebonyi State.”
The Elders also frowned at the gang up to distort a well-serving Governorship arrangement in the State and called on Ebonyi people to go about their normal businesses without fear.”
“We note also their ignoble intention to distort a long agreed gubernatorial zoning arrangement in Ebonyi and state that this will not be accepted at all. While they have their right to use legal means to pursue their ambitions they are warned not to visit the state with the mayhem of the past which memories are still with us.
“We appeal to every Ebonyian to remain calm and go about their businesses, ignore fake social media stories and pray for Peace.
“We also appeal to Governor Dave Umahi not to be distracted but to remain focused in executing his people-oriented projects and programmes in Ebonyi State.”
