The unfortunate land dispute between these two communities started even before my administration as Governor of Ebonyi State (2015–2023). However, during my time in office, we took the matter seriously, including related disputes involving Amasiri and Amangwu-Edda, and made deliberate efforts to resolving them. Fortunately, the present Governor of Ebonyi State, His Excellency Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, was then the Speaker of the House of Assembly and, alongside other members of the house of assembly, played significant roles in ensuring that peace was maintained and justice was served.
While the dispute between Amasiri and Amagwu Edda was on the path to permanent resolution through the kind disposition of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR who graciously gave us an army depot settlement to cover the disputed entire land, the Ebonyi State Government under HE Rt. Hon. Francis Nwifuru further advanced the peace agreement already reached between the two brotherly communities, to the point of physical demarcation, before the unfortunate and devilish destruction of lives and property at Ose-Edda occurred.
I condemn this incident in totality and wondered why such inhumanity to man could occur between brothers and sisters over land in this modern civilization.
Since the incident, I have been in constant communication with leaders of Amasiri, particularly those who served in our administration between 2015 and 2023. I commend their understanding, restraint, and support in working with the Governor to safeguard lives and property. I have also been in regular talk with the Governor from the very first day of this unfortunate crisis, speaking with him almost twice every week, and I fully agree with him and support all the steps he has taken to prevent escalation of the crisis or reprisal attacks.
Those who have misinformation and criticizing the Governor’s actions do not understand the grave security implications of the actions they are demanding. The Governor is the Chief Security Officer of the state and has a constitutional responsibility to protect lives and property within the limits of the law. I can state clearly that he has discharged this duty without bias. He has no extraordinary affinity or preference for any of the parties involved. Those who criticize him do so out of lack of understanding of security management of a state, especially in a situation involving brutal killings and massive destruction.
The closure of schools and the imposition of curfew, which has now been partially relaxed, were measures taken to ensure the safety of all indigenes of Amasiri, while total reconciliation and the restoration of lasting peace between the two clans are being worked on.
Emotions are still very high among the Edda people, and if not carefully managed, could lead to retaliation, God forbid.
The Governor has consistently appealed to the Edda people to remain calm and allow him to amicably settle the matter. I fully join the Governor and the good people of Ebonyi State in appealing to both parties to trust the process, adhere to the steps already taken by the Governor, and meet the peaceful conditions he has outlined which I fully support.
I urge the good people of Amasiri to understand that the Governor’s actions are first and foremost aimed at protecting lives, while a thorough and sincere peace process is being pursued between the two clans.
Finally, I encourage the Governor not to be distracted or provoked by criticisms from those who may not have understood the complexity and sensitivity of the situation, and to continue to put his trust in God while discharging his God given mandate.
Senator Engr. David Nweze Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE
Honourable Minister of Works.
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