“Let me be clear: this amnesty is not a reward for wrongdoing. It is a strategic step toward achieving lasting peace and stability in Effium, Ezza Effium, and across Ebonyi State.” Gov. Nwifuru.
The above statement is an excerpt from the Governor of Ebonyi State, R. T. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, on the event of the amnesty that he granted to the 159 detained indigenes of Ezza Effium and the Effium community, who were arrested in connection with the communal clash that has lasted for years.
In his reaction to the Governor’s commitment towards restoration of peace in troubled areas in the state, the chairman of the Abakaliki Rice Mill industry, Comrade Linus Obeji, has eulogised Governor Nwifuru, describing him as a peace builder.
Obeji said he is confident that the amnesty granted to the detainees would go a long way in establishing a lasting solution to the warring community by creating a sense of love for one another, forgiveness, and the need for a sober reflection of the effects of the crisis on the people.
“This development is highly commendable, and we must commend our peace builder, His Excellency, R. T. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, for taking the bold step by granting amnesty to the 159 detainees.
“By this gesture, I believe that the governor is implementing the recommendations of the peace committee, showing that he is a listening leader; it’s a step towards building love and forgiveness in Effium; it has marked the beginning of a new day for Ebonyi State, and we are happy about it.”. Obeji said.
He appealed to the released detainees to see their freedom as a divine intervention and urged them to preach peace among their people as well as called on them to engage themselves in meaningful ventures, having been at the correctional centre for over four years.
“We thank God for the state of the correctional centre, because there are are various vocations there and I will like to believe that if not all of them, some have learned one or two, they should use the opportunity for freedom to establish themselves and be meaningful to the state”. He added.
The chairman, who pledged his continual support for the “People’s Charter of Needs” administration, called on Ebonyians to always commend and appreciate the good policies of the government in order to encourage them to do more.