A meeting held at the Governor’s office addressed the ongoing crisis in Ekoli Edda, led by Ebonyi State Governor Ogbonnaya Nwifuru. After presentations from both factions, the Governor requested suggestions for resolution.
Suggestions from Kalu Ama Mba, President of the Community Union:
1. Hon. Eni Uduma Chima and Barr. Chima Uduma Chime to serve a 7-year banishment as declared by the community.
2. Hon. Eni and Barr. Chima to pay a total of ₦106 million.
3. Hon. Eni should return 18 motorcycles allegedly seized by his supporters.
Hon. Stanley Okoro Emegha, APC State Chairman, denied involvement in the conflict but advised Hon. Eni to refrain from interfering with Town Union activities.
Recommendations from Hon. Eni Uduma Chima:
1. Immediate disarmament of the Catcham boys or authorization to arm Amnesty boys equally.
2. Reactivation of the Police post in Ekoli with personnel assigned.
3. Cautioning the traditional ruler, Ezeogo John Igwe, against partisan politics.
4. Recovery of his hijacked Mack Truck by Kalu Ama Mba by day’s end.
5. Dissolution of the Town Union executive.
6. A retraction of the banishment and fine by Kalu Ama Mba.
Following discussions, the Governor announced approvals for 5 of Hon. Eni’s recommendations:
1. Immediate disarmament of all unauthorized personnel in Ekoli.
2. Reactivation of the Ekoli Police post.
3. Cautioning the traditional ruler against political involvement.
4. Immediate recovery of the hijacked Mack Truck.
5. Hon. Eni must provide the 18 motorcycles; failure to do so will require oaths from those claiming their motorcycles were seized.
The Governor also concluded:
– The Town Union executive will remain intact as the duly elected and backed by law.
– The banishment order is null and void.
– No fines will be imposed on Eni and his younger brother Chima; instead, ₦10 million will be allocated to Mr. Felix Ibiam for goods looted by the Executive Governor Francis Nwifuru, and ₦7 million will be distributed to individuals affected by property damage and this come from the Local government’s purse.
Immediate Implementation: Kalu Ama Mba has been tasked with enforcing these orders.
Meanwhile, Senator Sonni Ogbuoji, Hon. Nkemka Okoro Onuma, the House Of Assembly Member representing Edda West Constituency and the Executive Chairman of Edda Locaol Government were also part of the delegates who attended the meeting from outside Ekoli.
