By Charles Nwoke
The people of Effium autonomous community in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State have firmly rejected Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru’s plan to demarcate their land and create autonomous communities for the non-native Ezza settlers.
The community’s opposition was publicly declared on Monday during a world press conference held in Abakaliki, the state capital.
Addressing journalists, the President General of Effium Town Union, Mr.
Agena James said the governor’s move undermines traditional authority and disrespects the cultural identity of Effium natives. He described the proposals as unjust, provocative, and a threat to ongoing peace efforts in the area.
“We reject the creation of autonomous communities for the Ezza people and the renaming of Effium land with non-native names,” Agena said. “These actions undermine our traditional rulers and erode our cultural heritage.”
He accused the government of attempting to seize ancestral Effium land and reward those he described as perpetrators of violence in the crisis-stricken area.
“The Ezza came to Effium as settlers. Their presence does not give them co-ownership of our land. The government’s plan to cede part of Effium’s land to them is nothing short of forceful seizure. This is unacceptable,” he said.
Agena alleged that the Ezza people have been at the center of the longstanding communal conflict, which has claimed many lives and destroyed property worth billions of naira. He warned that rewarding them with land and political autonomy sends the wrong signal.
“This decision encourages violence as a means to gain political and territorial advantage. It is a dangerous precedent,” he added.
The Effium leader also criticized the proposed reorganization and renaming of electoral wards, calling it a deliberate attempt to distort the political structure and alienate the Effium people.
“These actions will only fuel further division and chaos,” he said.
Agena called on Governor Nwifuru to immediately halt the proposed land demarcation, the creation of autonomous communities, and changes to the electoral structure. He urged the governor not to sign the bill passed by the State House of Assembly that supports the proposed changes.
He also called for inclusive dialogue involving all affected stakeholders, including traditional leaders, settlers, and community members.
“Peace cannot be achieved through unilateral government action,” he said. “It must come through fairness, justice, and mutual respect.”
The Effium community also appealed to the international community and human rights organizations for intervention.
“We are committed to peace and coexistence,” Agena said. “We urge the global community to intervene before these proposals destabilize our community further.”
The Ebonyi State Government has not yet issued an official response to the press conference.
