Effium Indigenes write Nwifuru, caution on taking sides – Blueprint Newspapers Limited

The people of Effium in Ohaukwu local government of Ebonyi state under the aegis, Concerned Indigenous People of Effium (CIPE), have called on the governor of Ebonyi state, Chief Francis Nwifuru, not to take sides in the lingering communal clashes between them and their Ezza counterpart who they claim were settlers.

The group in the same breadth, accused the governor of bias in the political appointments he has made so far which they claimed favoured Ezza Indigenes more than the Effium.

The group in a passionate letter to the governor entitled: “Nigeria: Re: Roadmap to Sustainable Peace in Effium Land; The Indigenous Peoples Position”, appealed to the governor “not to toe the line of his predecessor, Dave Umahi, who allegedly looked the other way while Ezza people were allegedly killed and maimed Effium Indigenes”.

The letter which was signed by eight members of the group: Comrade Emmanuel Acha, Pst Chinatu Edene, Hon. Chief James Idenyi, Mr. Uche Sunday, Mr. Emmanuel Ogigba, Comdr Chukwuma Obo, Mr. Ishegbe Sunday Ekpe and PST Bright Elias Eje, however congratulated the governor on his emergence as the new governor of the state and also commended his commitment to end the three-year old war but urged the governor to be above board in his efforts to broker an enduring peace.

Part of the letter read: “The Concerned Indigenous People of Effium (CIPE) wishes to firstly congratulate you for your emergence as the Executive Governor of Ebonyi State from the just highly contested gubernatorial elections.

“Your Excellency, we the indigenous people of Effium have been watching with keen interest how the government of Ebonyi state under your leadership has been handling the issues pertaining to the lingering crisis in our dear and once upon a time very peaceful, highly productive and envious community that has contributed impeccably to the social, economic and political developments of Ebonyi state and Nigeria at large. 

“We salute your interest and courage expressed through your recent audacious statements demonstrating your readiness to bring to an end the almost 3-year old war between the indigenous people of Effium and the Ezza settlers in Effium. 

However, while your expressed determination is noble, we sincerely advise you to be circumspect and wise in your approach.

“Sir, as a war that has practically exposed a well-planned Ezza conquest agenda against the people of Effium and other Orring tribes with its attendant existential threat, we wish to communicate in clear terms our critical observations and resolve as stated below: