Ebonyi State Governor Declares Banishment of Former LG Chairman Unconstitutional Amid Ongoing Violence in Ekoli-Edda
-Nnachi Ukpai, Abakaliki.
Ebonyi State Governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has unequivocally rejected the recent banishment of Dr. Eni Uduma Chima, the former Chairman of Edda Local Government Area, and his brother, Chima Uduma Chima, by the Ekoli-Edda Town Union, calling it unconstitutionally null and void.
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During a meeting with key stakeholders from the troubled Ekoli-Edda community on Friday, Governor Nwifuru condemned the town union’s decision, emphasizing that it violates the Nigerian Constitution. “We disagree on the banishment. This banishment cannot hold because it negates the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Because of that, it cannot stand,” he asserted.
The Ekoli-Edda community has experienced escalating violence over the past two months, driven by intense political rivalries and leadership conflicts, resulting in multiple fatalities, deaths, numerous assaults, and widespread property damage. The situation escalated dramatically on Wednesday with the tragic shooting of Udu Nnachi Uzor in his home. His widow, Onyinye Uzor, who is caring for a two-month-old baby and three other children, has accused a member of a local political group known as Catcham Boys, specifically naming an individual called Deri, and calling for his immediate arrest.
Before this incident, the Ekoli-Edda Town Union had imposed a seven-year banishment on Bar. Eni Uduma Chima and his brother, along with a fine of N106 million for their return.
During the meeting held in Abakaliki, Governor Nwifuru not only dismissed the banishment as illegitimate but also took immediate action to de-escalate the insecurity in Ekoli-Edda. He issued a strong warning against illegal firearms possession and ordered the disbandment of all armed civilian groups, including Catcham Boys and Trigger-Happy Boys. “No civilian—regardless of affiliation—should be found with firearms or ammunition. Anyone caught will be dealt with according to the law,” the governor stated.
Additionally, in response to Dr. Eni’s complaint regarding the seizure of his MAC truck, Governor Nwifuru directed the community promptly to identify and return the vehicle.
To further restore peace and order, governor Nwifuru mandated the reintegration of all factions into established community governance frameworks, including the town union and traditional leadership. He also announced the reactivation of the Ekoli Police Post, initially proposed by Dr. Eni, to bolster security and maintain peace in the community.
Governor Nwifuru’s proactive intervention aims to reestablish lawful governance and dismantle the cycle of violence plaguing Ekoli-Edda. His firm stance demonstrates the state government’s commitment to upholding the law against extrajudicial actions and community-imposed sanctions. If effectively executed, these measures could signal a turning point towards peace, justice, and stability in the community.
