By Victor Nwegede, Abakaliki.
Stakeholders from Edda LGA of Ebonyi State yesterday at Abakaliki commended Governor Francis Nwifuru for having taken bold steps to resolve the lingering land disputes involving the people of Amasiri, Oso-Edda, and Akpoha communities in the state.
Nigerian Pilot reports that the governor convened a meeting which was attended by the stakeholders and traditional rulers from the affected communities in a bid to restore lasting peace in the crisis areas.
During the meeting according to Governor Nwifuru, both Amasiri and Oso-Edda communities agreed to abide by the provisions of the government white paper issued in 2002 and revalidated in 2023; described the development as a major milestone in the state’s peace-building efforts.
Nwifuru expressed joy that the two parties had agreed to abide by the decisions of the peace committee earlier set up to handle the Amasiri and Oso-Edda communal disputes by accepting the terms of the government white paper, which according to him shows commitment to ending years of hostilities and charting a new course of unity.
He commended the Amasiri and Akpoha communities for demonstrating maturity and readiness to coexist peacefully. He revealed that both communities had voluntarily delegated two commissioners, Prof. Nwogo Aguka Obasi (Akpoha) and Prof. Amari Omaka Chukwu (Amasiri), alongside their traditional rulers to mediate and settle the dispute through traditional means within two weeks.
The governor emphasized the role of peace in sustainable development, expressing optimism that with the communities’ cooperation and adherence to directives, lasting peace would soon be achieved in those areas.
Reacting to the new development, the Chairman of Edda LGA, Prince Chima Ekumankama, applauded Governor Nwifuru for addressing the core issues behind the conflicts.
He disclosed that the governor issued stern warnings to individuals fermenting troubles in the areas, stating that the government would no longer tolerate actions that threaten the peace process.
Ekumankama assured of his administration’s continued support for the state government’s efforts, urging all parties to prioritize peace for the collective interest of their respective communities.
Other stakeholders who spoke with journalists affirmed that the peace meeting convened by the governor, should be seen as a significant step in fostering unity and bringing an end to hostilities among the affected communities in the state.
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