Sunday Nkama
The Amata Akpoha and Ezeke Amasiri Communities that have been in a protracted land dispute have unanimously agreed to put aside their differences and work towards lasting Peace
Gov Nwifuru’s Intervention:
The resolution was reached on Sunday after series of interventions from the Governor of Ebonyi State, His Excellency,Rt Hon Builder Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru and the peace building mechanisms he put in place for the amicable resolution of the land matter which both parties have acceded to as the only option for permanent peace between the 2 neighbouring Communities.
Council Chairman’s Efforts:
Anchoring on the platform provided by the State Governor, the Executive Chairman of Afikpo Local Government Area, NWACHI, Timothy A. U held a follow up Peace and Security Meeting on Sunday with Traditional Rulers, Political Leaders Community Heads, Town Union Executives, Opinion Leaders, youths and other Stakeholders from the two Communities where they unanimously agreed to give peace a chance by ending any form of hostilities because of the land dispute while giving Government the enabling environment to resolve it for them
The outcome of the meeting was a significant milestone towards ending the age- old land dispute that has torn the 2 neighbouring Communities apart
During the crucial meeting the Council Chairman took time to applaud the State Governor, Rt Hon Builder Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru for his untiring efforts in ensuring that peaceful co-existence thrive in all parts of State and noted that peaceful resolution of conflicts is crucial for the well-being and development of Communities in the Council Area
While expressing immense joy that Stakeholders of both Communities have finally embraced Peace as well as assured of peaceful co existence, NWACHI, Timothy appealed that there should be no further hostilities, blackmails, attacks and counter- attacks from both sides to enable Government concentrate on resolving the matter within the shortest possible time.
He therefore implored the Stakeholders to assiduously drive the peace process to a successful end
In his final charge, the Council Chairman who identified greed, ego, bitterness and rivalry spirit as some of the causes of conflicts in some Communities, urged the people of the Area to always toe the path of peace in all their dealings with one another
Stakeholders Appreciation and firm commitment:
Some of the Stakeholders who bared their minds including the Traditional Ruler of Amasiri Autonomous Community, HRH Ezeogo Bassey Onya Idam; the Traditional Ruler of Amata Akpoha Autonomous Community, HRH Ezeogo Michael Eze; the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Engr Uche Donatus O; the Commissioner for Market Development and Parks, Prof Nwogo Ajuka Obasi; Chairman of Eto Akpoha Ruling Council, Prof John Igidi; Prof. Sam Okpara Ucha (Ezeke); Chief Chukwu Oko Chukwu (Ezeke) and the Councilor of Ezeke Ward and Leader of Afikpo Legislative Council,Hon Joel Inya Egwu; expressed their appreciation to the State Governor, Rt Hon Builder Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru and the Council Chairman, NWACHI Timothy A U for their untiring efforts in promoting peace and harmony and promised to ensure there is no further hostilities of any kind between the 2 neighbouring Communities.
Outcome of the Peace Parley:
Key points of the resolutions reached during the meeting include:
1) Unanimous agreement to cease hostilities on both sides
2) Nobody from either of the Communities should enter the disputed land for any activity until the matter is resolved
3) Nomination of 15 representatives from each community to work with the government
4)Decision for an out-of-court settlement
Consolidation of Peace-Building initiatives:
A Special Committee headed by the President General of ATWA, High Chief Ogbonnia Okogwu was inaugurated by the Council Chairman to resolve the land dispute
CONCLUSION:
This development is indeed a positive step towards resolving the protracted land dispute and fostering harmony between the two communities and by God’s Special Grace, Sustainable Peace has been achieved
