Nwifuru Nullifies Banishment of Ex-Edda LG Chairman, Orders Disbandment of Armed Groups in Ekoli-Edda
By Ugo Ewa
Ebonyi State Governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has declared the recent banishment of the former Chairman of Edda Local Government Area, Dr. Eni Uduma Chima, and his younger brother, Uduma Chima, by the Ekoli-Edda Town Union as unconstitutional, null, and void.
Speaking on Friday during a meeting with key stakeholders from the troubled Ekoli-Edda community, the governor condemned the decision by the town union, describing it as a direct violation of the Nigerian Constitution. He reaffirmed the government's commitment to uphold the rule of law and protect the rights of all citizens, irrespective of local grievances.“We disagree on the banishment. This banishment cannot hold because it negates the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Because of that, it cannot stand,” Governor Nwifuru stated firmly.
Background of the Crisis
Ekoli-Edda has been grappling with escalating violence over the past two months, fueled by deep-seated political rivalries and leadership disputes. The crisis has resulted in several deaths, numerous assaults, and the destruction of properties valued at millions of naira.
The most recent and shocking incident occurred on Wednesday, when Udu Nnachi Uzor was shot dead in his residence. His widow, Onyinye Uzor, who is caring for a two-month-old baby and three other children, accused a member of a local political group, Catcham Boys, of the killing. She specifically named an individual called Deri and called for his immediate arrest.
In the wake of the killing, the Ekoli-Edda Town Union and other community actors responded by banishing Dr. Eni Uduma Chima and his brother for a period of seven years, while imposing a N106 million fine to be paid upon their return to the community.
Government’s Response and Directives
Governor Nwifuru not only dismissed the banishment as illegitimate but also took decisive measures to de-escalate the growing insecurity in the area. He issued a stern warning against the illegal possession of firearms and ordered the immediate disbandment of all armed civilian groups operating under names such as Catcham Boys, Trigger-Happy Boys, and Amnesty Boys.“No civilian—regardless of affiliation—should be found with firearms or ammunition. Anyone caught will be dealt with according to the law,” the governor warned.
Additionally, in response to a formal complaint by Dr. Eni regarding the seizure of his MAC truck, the governor directed the community to locate and return the vehicle without delay.
Steps Toward Restoring Peace
As part of broader efforts to restore order, Governor Nwifuru mandated the reintegration of all factions into recognized community governance frameworks, including the town union and traditional leadership. He also announced the reactivation of the Ekoli Police Post—an initiative originally proposed by Dr. Eni—to strengthen security and maintain law and order in the area.
Outlook
The governor’s intervention is being viewed as a critical and balanced move aimed at reestablishing lawful governance and breaking the cycle of political violence that has plagued Ekoli-Edda. His firm stance underscores the state government’s intolerance for extrajudicial actions, armed militias, and community-imposed sanctions that violate national laws.
If effectively implemented, these measures could mark a turning point in the long-standing crisis, offering the community a path to peace, justice, and stability.
