By CHARLES IWUOHA

Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has declared that the purported banishment of Dr. Eni Uduma Chima, former local government Chairman of Edda LG by few members in his Community was null and void, and of no effect.

Chima has been undergoing political persecutions by some Stakeholders in Edda L.G.A, because they see him as a threat to their political ambition and how he is loved by different categories of individuals in the Community, especially the youths.

Ekoli-Edda Community has been plagued with crisis in recent times, due to clashes of interests within the political and traditional arena of Edda Local Government Area of the State.

This has led to the killing of innocent persons and wanton destruction of properties.

According to Governor Nwifuru, the purported banishment violated the constitutional rights of any Nigerian citizen.

The Governor stated this at the new Government House, Abakaliki, on Friday after receiving reports and recommendations from key stakeholders of Edda Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, on issues affecting Ekoli-Edda Community.

The Governor who outlined the State Government’s position on several issues raised during the peace dialogue, rejected the original N106 million fine placed on Dr. Chima, saying that the amount must be reviewed.

The meeting, whichh was called at the instance of the Governor, was a measure necessary to assist the present administration, to intervene in the lingering crisis rocking Ekoli Edda community, of Edda Local Government Area of the State.

The Chief Security Officer of the State issued a stern warning against illegal possession of firearms by civilians even as he urged all parties to embrace peace.

“No civilian, no matter who that person is whether Cachiam Boys, Trigger Boys, Amnesty Boys should be found with firearms. Anyone found in possession of arms will be dealt with, according to the rule of law.

“Only recognised Law Enforcement Agencies, such as the Police, Army, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, are permitted to bear arms in the community,” he stressed.

It was’revealed that out of the seven demands made by Dr. Eni Uduma Chima, only five were accepted while two were rejected by the Governor of the State.

These include: Agreement to return his MacTalk device, rejection of the call to dissolve the Town Union Executive, Nullification of the banishment imposed on him and his brother, Warning to the traditional ruler to remain apolitical or resign, activation and proper staffing of the Ekoli Police station.

Additionally, the Governor amended a submission by the Party Chairman, insisting that all stakeholders, not just “any”, must refrain from interfering in the administration of Community land and affairs.

The traditional Institution and the Town Union Executive were declared autonomous and must be allowed to function independently.

The Governor also backed the Development union President’s request that the activities of the self-styled “Happy Trigger Boys” must cease immediately, noting that anyone involved in unlawful activities would be treated as a criminal.

According to the Governor, “Shops were looted, and we cannot allow that to go without repercussions. However, the fine must be determined here,”.

He added that Eni’s alleged statement inciting looting and the involvement of some women in the act will be revisited when a key stakeholder, Norman Si, returns.

The Governor also directed that Amnesty Boys return 18 motorcycles and seven phones allegedly seized from Community youths.

From the outcome of the meeting, “Any denial of these claims will require the individuals to swear oaths at the village square.”

As part of the rebuilding process, the villagers have reportedly contributed N1 million each to help restore the damaged shops.

Governor Nwifuru emphasised that peace must return to Ekoli Edda and that no individual was greater than the Community.

“If you are not proud of your community, you are not its pride. Everyone must submit to the Community’s institutions for peace to reign,”