Effium Community in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State has rejected a peace panel report led by the Bishop Emeritus of Abakiliki Diocese, Rt. Rev. Fr. Michael Nnachi Okoro, aimed at resolving a three-year-old war between the communities of Ezza-Effium and Effium.
The war, which began on January 21, 2021, over a leadership tussle in the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), resulted in loss of lives and destruction of property worth billions of naira.
Efforts by the past administration of Governor David Umahi and the Federal Government to end the war did not yield desired results.
In a bid to ensure lasting peace, Governor Francis Nwifuru set up a peace panel headed by retired Catholic bishop Rev. Michael Okoro, which issued a white paper after both communities signed a peace pact.
However, the people of Effium rejected the white paper and the peace pact, citing infringement on their fundamental human rights.
They claimed that some stakeholders were compelled to sign the peace pact against their will.
In a statement signed by Chief Aligwe Matthias Chukwuma and Dr. Bernard Orichi, chairman and secretary of the Ezza-Effium Consultative Assembly respectively, the people argued that the white paper contradicted the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, which guarantees every Nigerian the right to live anywhere in the country.
They also objected to being described as tenants in Effium community, as well as being barred from producing a traditional ruler for Effium.
The Ezza-Effium people emphasized their desire for lasting peace but rejected any peace pact or white paper that deprives them of their constitutional rights.
They called on the state government to order a ceasefire and allow residents to return home, while issues related to revenue in the motor park and market places are addressed using extant laws.
They urged Governor Nwifuru to revisit the report of the peace panel and the peace pact document for more informed and constitutional measures to guarantee enduring peace in the Effium community.
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