From Nwogha Ndubuisi, Abakaliki
Former Ebonyi All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship candidate, Senator Sonni Ogbuoji has been nominated to head a commission of enquiry over the killing in Edda community of the state.
Governor Umahi in a statement issued by the Special Assistant on Media and Strategy, Chooks Oko inaugurated the commission at Ebunwana Edda, and charged them to return peace in the area.
He regretted the disturbance in the Edda which he observed has led to loss of lives and hard earned resources.
According to him: “It was never like this before now, we have had a lot of killings all over Edda especially during elections; cultism, gunrunning, and other vices. We don’t want it to continue, we want it to stop.”
The Governor directed the reporting of anyone found in possession of firearm to forestall further breakdown of law and order anywhere in the State.
“If you see anyone who has AK47 gun, show it to me no matter who the person is; I will lead the operation and we will arrest the person.
“The moment you conform with the laws of the land, you will have peace, God never asked anybody to kill somebody in order to be elected.
“What happened in Ekoli is a sacrilege, it is terrible and it is something we should cry out to the Lord for forgiveness. Brother killing brother is a sacrilege, it is shameful, what is it that is worth the life of a brother? It is selfishness.
“What happened in Ekoli, I have looked beyond the problem, I have looked at tomorrow, unless something is done and done sincerely by you people, it will have devastating consequences.
“I can’t be supporting you when your hands are unclean with blood, this life is very temporal, no one has control of his or her life, everyday is by the mercies of God, we ought to be grateful to God, there are things you must leave to God.”
Umahi called on the Edda people to seek the face of God in order to sanitize the area from bloodshed.
“The land has been spoilt, the people of Edda should do what the people of Nineveh did.
“There is still a way out, let’s seek the face of God in sincerity. This nine man Commission, are you going to be divided alongside these people? There is no forgiveness without confession of sins, it is only when you confess in the Catholic way that confession can be effected.”
He also enjoined members of the nine man Commission of Enquiry to carry out their responsibilities devoid of any sentiments.
Other members of the Commission according to the Governor include Honourable Nkama Nkama Ude -Secretary Chief Mike Okoro -member, Prince Etta Uka-Member, Engr. Kalu Ama Mba-Member, John Igwe-Member, Prof. Ibiam Ekpe-Member, Engr.Hon.Ufere Okoroafor-Member and Ama Kalu Ikwor -member.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Aliyu Garba admonished the people to toe the line of reconciliation to ensure timely return of peace to the area.
