A professional group, Ebonyi South Peace Initiative has commended Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru of Ebonyi State and Onicha Local Government Chairman, Hon. Ikechukwu Ogbofia, for their neutrality and dedication to due process in the ongoing boundary demarcation between Abaomege and Ishinkwo communities.
The group in a statement made available to our correspondent on Wednesday also applauded Governor Nwifuru for his unwavering commitment to peace, justice, and the rule of law.
The group further revealed that the people of Abaomege have consistently embraced peaceful dialogue and legal means in handling this boundary issue and remain committed to respecting constituted authorities and have demonstrated patience, even when decisions have not always been in their favor.
Nwifuru
They, however frowned at recent attempts by certain individuals from Ishinkwo to disrupt the ongoing demarcation process through misinformation, unfounded allegations, and resistance to due process.
Hon. Ogbofia
The statement reads in full ;
EBONYI SOUTH PEACE INITIATIVE
MESSAGE OF APPRECIATION AND COMMITMENT TO PEACE: STATEMENT OF FACTS AGAINST FICTIONS
5TH MARCH, 2025
We, the Ebonyi South Peace Initiative, extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Governor of Ebonyi State, His Excellency Rt. Hon. Builder Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru (Onwa, the Ochatara Ndi Echefuru Echefu 1 of Ebonyi State), for his unwavering commitment to peace, justice, and the rule of law. His dedication in resolving disputes and fostering unity is truly commendable, and we sincerely appreciate his efforts in addressing the boundary matter between the Abaomege and Ishinkwo communities.
We also express our deep appreciation to the Executive Chairman of Onicha Local Government, Hon. Ikechukwu Ogbofia, for his neutrality and dedication to due process in the ongoing boundary demarcation. His leadership has been instrumental in maintaining fairness and order.
COMMITMENT TO PEACE AND DUE PROCESS
The people of Abaomege have consistently embraced peaceful dialogue and legal means in handling this boundary issue. We remain committed to respecting constituted authorities and have demonstrated patience, even when decisions have not always been in our favor. This reflects our deep commitment to peace, harmony, and the protection of human lives.
However, we are concerned by recent attempts by certain individuals from Ishinkwo to disrupt the ongoing demarcation process through misinformation, unfounded allegations, and resistance to due process. It is necessary to correct these inaccuracies and reaffirm the legitimacy of the current exercise. We acknowledge the fair stance taken by the local government chairman and recognize the compromises made by the Abaomege community in the interest of peace.
ADDRESSING MISLEADING ALLEGATIONS
The recent publication from the Ishinkwo Autonomous Community leadership contains serious but unfounded allegations against Hon. Ikechukwu Ogbofia, the Onicha Local Government Chairman, regarding his role in the Ishinkwo/Abaomege boundary demarcation. A closer examination reveals that these claims are misleading, baseless, and intended to misinform the public.
1. Personal Attacks Instead of Facts
The claim that Hon. Ogbofia cannot be neutral simply because he is from Abaomege is a flawed argument. His role as Chairman of Onicha LGA requires him to serve the entire local government fairly. Government officials routinely work in areas where they have personal ties, and their actions not their origins should determine their impartiality. Since assuming office, Hon. Ogbofia has upheld his duty as chairman of the entire Onicha Local Government, not just Abaomege.
2. War Allegations Without Verifiable Evidence
The accusation that Hon. Ogbofia was a “trigger man” in past conflicts is completely unsubstantiated. No evidence or legal proceedings support this claim. Even if he had a history of involvement, his current role demands neutrality, and he has conducted himself accordingly. If there were genuine concerns about his conduct, the proper approach would be to provide documented evidence rather than rely on hearsay.
3. Misrepresentation of His Role in the Demarcation Exercise
The claim that Hon. Ogbofia is “personally financing” the demarcation is false. As Chairman of Onicha LGA, he administers government funds for the project, ensuring due process is followed. If there are concerns about financial transparency, the appropriate response would be to request an audit not to question his authority based on origin.
ABAOMEGEâS COMMITMENT TO PEACEFUL RESOLUTION
1. Acceptance of the Government White Paper
Despite a Supreme Court judgment affirming the historical boundary and land ownership, the governmentâs white paper went further by reallocating parts of Abaomege land at Ndufu and Omege to Ishinkwo. Abaomege accepted this decision, even though it was unfavorable, demonstrating a commitment to peace and compromise.
2. The Chairman Acted Impartially
If Hon. Ogbofia were biased, he would have insisted on enforcing the original court ruling that favored Abaomege. Instead, he upheld the governmentâs decision, which allocated land to Ishinkwo. This proves his fairness and refutes the claim that he acted against Ishinkwoâs interests.
3. Ishinkwoâs Resistance to Peaceful Resolutions
The real issue is not the chairmanâs role but Ishinkwoâs persistent refusal to accept any peaceful resolution. When the Supreme Court upheld the historical boundary, they resisted it. When the government white paper granted them land at Abaomegeâs expense, instead of appreciating the concession, they continued their aggressive stance. This suggests a deliberate attempt to reject peace in favor of conflict.
THE PATTERN OF CONFLICT
1. A History of War-Driven Resistance
Ishinkwoâs approach to boundary matters has consistently been marked by confrontation rather than legal or governmental resolutions. By repeatedly rejecting official rulings and agreements, they demonstrate a preference for conflict over peace.
2. Abaomegeâs Sacrifices for Peace
The boundary pillar at Igboko was positioned 100 meters in favor of Ishinkwo, yet Abaomege accepted it for peaceâs sake. Additionally, over 50% of Abaomegeâs land from Igboko to the federal road has been ceded to Ishinkwo to ensure peace. Despite these concessions, Ishinkwo continues to make false claims and incite unrest.
3. The Path to Stability
For peace to be restored, Ishinkwo must abandon its confrontational approach and accept legally backed and government-sanctioned resolutions. Stability cannot be achieved when one party continuously rejects fair decisions.
A CALL FOR UNITY AND COOPERATION
We urge all stakeholders to uphold the values of justice, dialogue, and mutual respect. The path to lasting peace lies in constructive engagement and adherence to due process. We remain hopeful that with collective goodwill and sincerity, a just and peaceful resolution will be achieved.
Once again, we thank His Excellency, the Governor of Ebonyi State, Rt. Hon. Builder Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, and Hon. Ikechukwu Ogbofia for their unwavering dedication to peace and fairness. We also thank the traditional ruler of Abaomege Autonomous Community, HRH Eze Augustine Ikechukwu Ineke(The Echemugo II of Abaomege Ancient Kingdom). May their efforts continue to foster unity, progress, and stability in our communities.
Signed:
Ebonyi South Peace Initiative.
