The Anambra State Government has called for calm following the demonstration which took place at the commercial town of Onitsha today over the ownership of a primary school at Oyolu – Oze, Nkwelle – Ezunaka, in Oyi Local Government Area.

The protest is the second in a week in Onitsha by members of Ebenezer Anglican Church, Oze, following last Monday’s demolition of their church building by people suspected to be from Nkwelle Ezunaka.

As reported last Thursday, the Anglicans are accusing the Willie Obiano administration of complicity and have vowed to get justice. Just as happened during last Wednesday’s protest, they blocked roads in Onitsha, brandishing placards with inscriptions such as “Rebuild our church now”; “Governor Obiano intervene in this matter and arrest the perpetrators of this evil act”, “God will punish who did this evil act”, etc

Reacting to today’s demonstration, Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Chief Tony Onyima, said in a statement issued this afternoon in Awka: “Government observes that the Nkwelle Ezunaka community and the Anglican Communion are locked in a dispute over the ownership of the said Oyolu – Oze Primary School.

“On receipt of reports of destruction of property, His Excellency, Chief Willie Obiano, in the company of the Deputy Governor, Dr. Nkem Okeke, visited the school site on Friday, August 17, 2014. His Excellency unequivocally condemned the wanton destruction of property by unknown persons.

“Already, Governor Obiano had set up a six-man committee headed by the deputy governor to investigate the contending issues and submit a report on their findings within two weeks.

“Government observes that the Committee is presently only in the fourth day of its two week time frame to present a report and calls on all parties to allow peace and due process to reign.

“As a democratic and law-abiding government, the administration of His Excellency, Chief Willie Obiano upholds the right of peaceful protests by citizens. However such protests must be within the ambit of the law.

“Government wishes to assure all citizens that it is committed to promotion of justice, peace and fair play and calls on all citizens to remain calm and law abiding.”

•Photo shows Governor Willie Obiano.

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