By Charles Nwoke
The Ebonyi State House of Assembly has passed a bill to legalize the peace accord between the Effium and Ezza-Effium people, creating two autonomous communities and demarcating their land boundaries in Ohaukwu Local Government Area.
The bill, titled “Effium and Ezza-Effium Autonomous Communities and Land Demarcation Law 2025”, was passed during a plenary session held Wednesday at the legislative complex on Nkaliki Road, Abakaliki. Speaker of the House, Chief Moses Ije Odunwa, presided over the session.
The bill followed a letter from the State Governor, Chief Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, requesting the Assembly’s approval of the peace framework. Speaker Odunwa read the letter aloud and said the bill would help restore peace and drive development in the affected area.
The House adopted the letter as a working document after a motion by House Leader, Chief Kingsley Ikoro, which was seconded by Mrs Esther Chidiebere Agwu, who represents Ohaukwu North.
Supporting the bill, Chief Ikoro emphasized unity and urged his colleagues to pass the legislation without delay. He said the root of the conflict lies in land disputes and stressed that lasting peace must take precedence over territorial claims.
“The essence of government is to protect lives and properties. This bill is not only urgent but essential for peace,” Ikoro stated.
Hon. Friday Ogbuewu of Ezza South praised the governor’s commitment to peace and described the bill as a long-term solution to the conflict that has claimed many lives and destroyed property worth billions of naira.
Mrs Agwu echoed the need for the new communities to resolve the deep-rooted crisis. Other lawmakers, including Hon. Oluchukwu Ukie Ezeali, Hon. Aloysius Nwodo, and Chief Godwin Abiri, backed the bill and commended the state government’s peace initiative.
Speaker Odunwa clarified that the bill mandates residents to relocate according to the newly drawn boundaries. He warned that the state government will not tolerate any group using violence to pursue territorial claims.
“The demarcation is clear. Residents must move to their respective sides. Lands owned by the federal or state government must be respected,” he said.
Following unanimous approval, the bill, cited as HAB No. 005 of 2025, was adopted, and the Clerk of the House, Mrs Edene Uche Blessing, was directed to inform the governor of its passage.
The House then adjourned its plenary to another legislative day on a motion moved by Chief Ikoro and seconded by Mrs Chinyere Nwogbaga of Ebonyi North East.
