A member of the House of Representatives has firmly rejected allegations of genocide made against Ebonyi State Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, describing the claims as reckless and without foundation.
Rep. Chinedu Ogah, who represents Ikwo/Ezza South Federal Constituency, pushed back against accusations raised by human rights campaigner, Joy Idam. She had alleged that the governor was overseeing acts amounting to genocide in Amasiri, linked to a long-running land dispute between neighbouring communities that has reportedly resulted in deaths and destruction of property.
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday in Abuja, Ogah dismissed the allegation outright and urged the activist to retract her comments and apologise to the people of Ebonyi State. He argued that the narrative being circulated bears little resemblance to the situation on the ground.
The lawmaker maintained that Governor Nwifuru has taken visible steps to address insecurity and calm tensions arising from communal clashes, and noted that several land disputes across the state predate the current administration by more than two decades, but said recent efforts involving government officials, traditional rulers and other stakeholders have helped to ease hostilities and restore a measure of stability.
Ogah insisted that branding the crisis as genocide distorts the facts and risks inflaming an already delicate situation, at a time when authorities say they are working to secure lasting peace.
“Before the inauguration of this governor, nearly 10 communities were engaged in various communal clashes. Today, those conflicts have largely been resolved due to proactive engagement and people-centred governance,” Ogah said.
He explained that following renewed tensions in Amasiri, the governor constituted a panel to investigate the dispute and submitted recommendations for implementation.
According to the lawmaker, the imposition of a curfew in the affected area was a necessary security measure aimed at preventing further violence, noting that the curfew has since been relaxed as peace has returned.
Ogah criticised Idam for allegedly being absent from the state for several years, arguing that she was not sufficiently informed to make such grave allegations.
“It is unfair for anyone who has not been present on the ground to accuse the governor of genocide. Such statements are not only false but capable of escalating tensions,” he stated.
The lawmaker went on to outline what he considers major milestones under the administration of Governor Francis Nwifuru, pointing to expanded youth scholarship schemes, visible infrastructure upgrades and what he described as a broadly inclusive style of governance.
He revealed that roughly 400 young people from Ebonyi are currently studying overseas on government-funded scholarships in the United Kingdom, with beneficiaries drawn from Amasiri as well as other parts of the state. The initiative, he suggested, reflects a commitment to investing in the next generation irrespective of community or political affiliation.
Ogah also referenced the construction of new classroom blocks across several local government areas, alongside security measures designed to strengthen grassroots peacebuilding. Traditional rulers, he noted, have been given greater support to help stabilise their communities and manage local disputes more effectively.
According to him, the governor has made a deliberate effort to carry political actors along, cutting across party lines in pursuit of unity and development.
He therefore called on Joy Idam to withdraw her earlier claims and visit Ebonyi State to assess the situation directly. Measures such as temporary school closures and curfews, he added, were precautionary steps introduced to contain security threats and quell communal tensions, rather than any form of targeted victimisation.
“The allegation of genocide is completely false. The governor has worked tirelessly to ensure peace, stability, and development in Ebonyi State,” Ogah stated.
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