…Says genocide allegation is baseless
By Paul Effiong, Abuja
A lawmaker representing Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency of Ebonyi State in the House of Representatives, Hon. Chinedu Ogah, has denied allegations of genocide levelled against the Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, describing them as baseless and unfounded.
Some human rights activists recently alleged that Governor Nwifuru was committing genocide against the Amasiri community amid a protracted land dispute with a neighbouring community, which has reportedly resulted in significant loss of lives and property.
However, at a press conference held at the National Assembly Complex yesterday, Hon. Ogah strongly refuted the claims and called on the human rights activists making what he described as distorted allegations against the governor to tender unreserved apologies without delay.
According to him, the people of Ebonyi State are peaceful and have always lived together in harmony.
The federal lawmaker further maintained that the allegations were disconnected from the reality on the ground, insisting that Governor Nwifuru has demonstrated commendable leadership in tackling insecurity and resolving communal conflicts across the state.
He stated that several communities in Ebonyi had been embroiled in land disputes for over two decades prior to the present administration, but that deliberate interventions by the governor, in collaboration with stakeholders and community leaders, have significantly restored peace.
He explained: “Before the inauguration of this governor, nearly ten communities were engaged in various communal clashes.”
He further noted that following renewed tensions in Amasiri, the governor constituted a panel to investigate the dispute, which subsequently submitted recommendations for implementation.
According to him, the imposition of a curfew in the affected area was a necessary security measure aimed at preventing further violence, adding that the curfew has since been relaxed as calm has been restored.
The lawmaker equally criticised the human rights activist for allegedly being absent from the state for several years, arguing that she was not sufficiently informed to make such grave allegations.
“It is unfair for anyone who has not been present on the ground to accuse the governor of genocide. Such statements are not only false but capable of escalating tensions,” he stated.
He further highlighted what he described as landmark achievements of the Nwifuru administration, including youth scholarship programmes, infrastructural development and inclusive governance.
He disclosed that about 400 Ebonyi youths are currently beneficiaries of overseas scholarships in the United Kingdom, with several drawn from Amasiri and other communities across the state.
Ogah also cited ongoing educational infrastructure projects, including the construction of classroom blocks across local government areas, as well as security initiatives aimed at empowering traditional rulers to strengthen grassroots peacebuilding.
He maintained that the governor’s approach to governance has been inclusive, accommodating political stakeholders across party lines in the interest of unity and development.
“The allegation of genocide is completely false,” the lawmaker said, adding that the governor has worked tirelessly to ensure peace, stability and development in Ebonyi State.
While fielding questions from journalists, the lawmaker declined to provide specific figures of casualties, stating that he was not a security official.
