Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has declared that the purported banishment of Dr. Eni Chima, a former local government chairman of Edda Local Government Area by few members in his community was null and void, and of no effect.
Gov. Nwifuru said the purported banishment violated the constitutional rights of the former local government chairman.
The governor stated this at the new Government House, Abakaliki, on Friday, after receiving reports and recommendations from key stakeholders of Edda Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, on issues affecting the Ekoli-Edda Community.
The governor who outlined the state government’s position on several issues raised during the peace dialogue, rejected the original N106 million fine placed on Dr. Chima, saying that the amount must be reviewed.
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The meeting, which was called at the instance of the governor, was a measure necessary to assist the present administration, to intervene in the lingering crisis rocking Ekoli Edda community of Edda Local Government Area of the state.
He warned against the illegal possession of firearms by civilians even as he urged all parties to embrace peace.
“No civilian, no matter who that person is whether Cachiam Boys, Trigger Boys, Amnesty Boys should be found with firearms. Anyone found in possession of arms will be dealt with, according to the rule of law.
“Only recognised law enforcement agencies, such as the police, army, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) are permitted to bear arms in the community,” he stressed.
It was revealed that out of the seven demands made by Dr. Chima, only five were accepted, while two were rejected by the governor.
