Community Newspaper Publishers Association of Nigeria (CONPAN) decries the creeping in of communal crisis between two Communities, Enyigba Community in Abakaliki and Alike in Ikwo Local Government areas of Ebony State over a supposed settled land dispute between the two community.
This was made known, through a press release by the Chief Press Secretary of the Group, Mr Nweke Nweke.
Recall that a few weeks ago, it was Effium and Ezza Communities in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State which recorded wanton destruction of lives and property.
During the period, CONPAN noticed the prompt response of His Excellency, Egnr. David Nweze Umahi who immediately swang into action and suspended all the political appointees from the troubles Local Government
Mr Nweke noted “We have on good record on how these communities have been the best brothers to an extent that if any harmed each other, such person must bring a cow to appease the land.
“The brotherhood was highly demonstrated by their forefathers and the tempo of the relationship was jealously guided until the baton was handed over to their current respective political leaders who has decided to exchange their sustained relationship with the spilling of blood.
“This may not necessarily be the major problem of these four great clans in Ebonyi State but a sustained plan by desperate politicians to divide the unity of the people at the grassroots and take undue political advantage among them.
“It is tingling that the political office holders in the affected communities in Ebonyi State have brainwashed their youths to take up arms against each other to the point of having murdered many souls and as well, destroyed property worth billions of Naira at the slightest provocation.
CONPAN, however, calls for a round table conference for the warring communities in Ebonyi State to end this crisis as no nation, not even Community ever thrived amid crisis. They should be thought to embrace each other and forge ahead for their unity of purpose, having known that what has united them as one people is stronger than what has divided them today. They should not allow some desperate politicians to continue to use them to advance their political interest or will. The affected communities should note that what is ahead is far bigger than what is behind them as they can’t continue to live under such hostility. They should lay down their arms, give peace a chance and embrace each other as one.
CONPAN and her proactive National President, High Chief Esotericist Monday Wehere JP, who is heading an association of over 680 Community Newspapers is thanking His Excellency, Governor, Dave Nweze Umahi for his quick intervention in arresting these situations and his sustained plan to quell these the crisis once and for all.
“CONPAN also call on stakeholders of both communities to support the peace initiative of Governor Dave Umahi in order to ensure that peace reign.
“Indeed, we are appreciating all the Community Newspapers based in Ebonyi State over their role in bringing the crisis to the table of Ndi Ebonyi.
“There is no doubt that our members’ role really helped Governor Umahi in addressing the ugly development. We, therefore, call on Engr. Dave Nweze Umahi to use his office as the South-East Governors’ Forum and present CONPAN before their Forum, considering our reach at the grassroots,” Nweke pointed.
