276
By Tracy Moses
The member representing Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency of Ebonyi State in the House of Representatives, Hon. Chinedu Ogah, has described allegations of genocide against the Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, as unfounded and misleading.
Ogah was reacting to claims by a human rights activist, Mrs. Joy Idam, who accused the governor of committing genocide in Amasiri community following a protracted land dispute with a neighbouring community, a crisis that reportedly led to loss of lives and destruction of property.
Addressing journalists at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, the lawmaker dismissed the allegation as spurious and capable of inciting unnecessary tension in the state. He called on the activist to retract her statement and apologise to the people of Ebonyi State.
According to Ogah, the genocide claim does not reflect the realities on ground, stressing that the Nwifuru administration has demonstrated firm commitment to peacebuilding and conflict resolution across the state.
He noted that prior to the inauguration of the current administration, no fewer than 10 communities were embroiled in communal clashes, largely arising from land disputes.
However, he said deliberate interventions by the governor, in collaboration with security agencies, traditional rulers and other stakeholders, have significantly restored peace in most of the affected areas.
“Before this administration came on board, several communities were engaged in protracted communal conflicts.
Through proactive engagement and the implementation of the governor’s people-centred ‘Charter of People’s Needs,’ many of these crises have been resolved,” Ogah stated.
On the Amasiri crisis, the lawmaker explained that the governor constituted a panel of inquiry to investigate the remote and immediate causes of the dispute and recommend lasting solutions. He added that the panel had since submitted its report for implementation.
Ogah further clarified that security measures taken at the height of the crisis, including the imposition of a curfew, were temporary steps aimed at preventing further escalation of violence. He noted that the curfew has since been relaxed following the restoration of relative calm in the area.
He criticised the activist for allegedly making sweeping allegations without being fully conversant with the current situation in the state.
“It is unfair for anyone who is not on ground and not familiar with the realities in Ebonyi to allege genocide. Such statements are not only false but capable of aggravating tensions,” he said.
Highlighting achievements of the present administration, Ogah disclosed that about 400 Ebonyi youths are currently beneficiaries of overseas scholarships in the United Kingdom, with several drawn from Amasiri and other communities across the state.
He also pointed to ongoing infrastructural projects, including the construction of classroom blocks across local government areas, rural road development, and strengthened security initiatives aimed at deepening grassroots peacebuilding.
Maintaining that the governor’s leadership style is inclusive and development-driven, Ogah reiterated that the allegation of genocide was baseless.
“The allegation of genocide is completely false. The governor has worked tirelessly to ensure peace, stability and development in Ebonyi State,” he said