- Land Dispute: Effium clan leaders reject land demarcation.
- Autonomous Community: Opposition to creating a community for non-native Ezza residents.
- Governor’s U-Turn: Accusations of changing course on peace agreements.
- Community Rights: Effium leaders vow to protect their heritage.
Effium Clan Stands Firm Against Land Division
The Association of Effium Indigenous Clan Chairmen in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State is putting its foot down. They’re not backing down to the state government’s proposed land demarcation and the creation of an autonomous community for non-Ezza residents in Effium. According to them, this is being pushed by Governor Francis Nwifuru and they’re saying, “Not on our watch!”
House of Assembly Approval Sparks Fury
The clan leaders are also fuming over the State House of Assembly’s approval of the bill. They are calling on the governor to refuse to sign it into law. According to Chief Emmanuel Egbe, the chairman, and Elom Ocho, the secretary, renaming parts of Effium land with non-native names and creating autonomous communities goes against the 1976 edict on creating new Autonomous Communities related to Ezza-Effium.
Violation of Peace Committee’s Report?
The leaders are claiming that Governor Nwifuru is ignoring the recommendations of his own peace committee, led by Most Rev. Michael Nnachi Okoro. This committee was set up to resolve the crisis between Effium and Ezza-Effium. They insist that any attempt to redraw boundaries or create new autonomous communities will be met with fierce resistance. They’re determined to protect what’s rightfully theirs.
A Sojourner’s Reward?
“This bill is dead on arrival!” the statement reads. “You can’t reward someone who took up arms against their host community by creating an Autonomous Community on another man’s land.”
The Governor’s Shifting Stance
When Governor Nwifuru took office in 2023, he formed a peace committee headed by Most Rev. Michael Nnachi Okoro to investigate the Effium-Ezza-Effium conflict. The committee submitted its report and recommendations on December 22, 2023, and the Governor pledged to follow it to the letter.
The government formed a 7-man implementation committee, led by Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Ben Odoh. On March 14, 2024, the parties signed a peace agreement. However, by June 2024, the Governor replaced Odoh with Frank Nchita Ogbuewu. The Effium representatives refused to sign the new peace pact agreement, claiming it contradicted the original committee report.
What’s Next?
The Effium clan leaders are drawing a line in the sand. Will Governor Nwifuru listen to their concerns, or will this dispute escalate? Only time will tell. This is a developing story, and we will keep you updated.
Did You Know? Land disputes are a common issue in Nigeria, often rooted in historical grievances and resource control.