Fom Uchenna Inya, Abakaliki
The Chairman, Ezza South Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, Mrs. Euphemia Nwali, has vowed to deal with perpetrators of political violence in the local government.
Suspected political thugs have been attacking some residents of the area since August 1, 2026, inflicting injuries on them and destroying valuable property including vehicles, tricycles, motorcycles, and other items.
Nwali, who frowned at the ugly trend, said she will no longer tolerate any form of political violence, crisis, intimidation, attack, thuggery, harassment, or any act capable of disrupting the prevailing peace and security in the local government.
She implored political leaders and stakeholders to properly caution their supporters against inflammatory statements, hate campaigns, provocation, thuggery, and every other act capable of generating avoidable tension in the area as, according to her, differences must be pursued through civilised, democratic, and lawful means and not through violence or intimidation.
“I, Chief Euphemia Nwali, the Executive Chairman of Ezza South Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, wish to use this medium to address the good people of Ezza South, political parties, political leaders, their supporters, and the general public on the urgent need to maintain peace, order, and decorum across our local government area.
“Let me state clearly and without any ambiguity that I will not tolerate any form of political violence, crisis, intimidation, attack, thuggery, harassment, or any act capable of disrupting the prevailing peace and security in Ezza South Local Government Area.
“I am, particularly, calling on all opposition political parties, their leaders, members, and supporters to conduct themselves peacefully, responsibly, and strictly within the confines of the law. Politics should never be allowed to divide our people, destroy lives, threaten businesses, or create unnecessary tension in our communities.
“Everybody is entitled to his or her political choice, and every political party has the constitutional right to carry out lawful political activities. However, I want to make it clear that such rights must be exercised with maturity, tolerance, and respect for the rights, safety, and freedom of other citizens.
“No political ambition or interest is worth the blood or life of any son or daughter of Ezza South. I will not stand by and watch any individual or group, no matter how highly placed or politically connected, turn our peaceful local government area into a theatre of violence, crisis, and insecurity.
“I have, therefore, taken necessary steps to ensure that the police, internal security personnel, and other relevant security agencies are strategically mobilised across the length and breadth of Ezza South Local Government Area.
“This is to guarantee peaceful movement, protect life and property, and ensure that our people continue their normal and legitimate businesses without fear in every nook and cranny of the council area.
“Let those planning to cause trouble, sponsor attacks, intimidate innocent citizens, or foment crises have a change of heart. Our security agencies have been placed on alert to identify, arrest, and bring to justice anybody or group found to be involved in any act capable of causing a breach of peace.
“I want to be very direct: nobody is above the law. Irrespective of political affiliation, social status or position, anybody found threatening the peace of Ezza South will be apprehended and made to face the full consequences of his or her actions in accordance with the law.
“I am equally calling on political leaders and stakeholders to properly caution their supporters against inflammatory statements, hate campaigns, provocation, thuggery, and every other act capable of generating avoidable tension. Political differences must be pursued through civilised, democratic, and lawful means and never through violence or intimidation.
“I also call on our traditional rulers, community leaders, religious leaders, youth leaders, women leaders, and all well-meaning stakeholders in Ezza South to join hands with my administration and security agencies to sustain the peace and stability of our local government area.
“I want to assure the general public that they should go about their normal and legitimate businesses without fear. My administration remains fully committed to protecting the lives and property of our people, and we will continue to strengthen our collaboration with all relevant security agencies to ensure that peace and order are maintained throughout Ezza South.
“However, I must remind everyone that security is everybody’s responsibility. I urge our people to remain vigilant and promptly report any reliable information concerning suspicious movements, planned attacks, or any activity capable of causing a security breach to the appropriate security agencies or authorities without delay.
“If you see something suspicious, do not keep quiet. Report it immediately. Timely and reliable information can save lives, prevent attacks, and help our security agencies take proactive measures against those who may be planning to cause trouble.
“Let me assure the good people of Ezza South that the peace, unity, security, and progress of our local government remain my utmost priority. I will continue to work with security agencies and all relevant stakeholders to ensure that no individual or group is allowed to undermine the peace and stability we have worked hard to sustain.
“Ezza South belongs to all of us. We may belong to different political parties and hold different political opinions, but we are one people, bound by a common heritage and a collective responsibility to protect our communities and secure a better future for our children.
“I, therefore, call on everyone to shun violence, embrace peace, respect one another, and obey the law at all times. I will not allow anybody or group, under whatever guise, to threaten the peace of Ezza South.
“Politics must not lead to bloodshed. Anybody who chooses to foment trouble or disturb the peace of our people will have the law to contend with. Let us put Ezza South first. Let us protect our peace. Let us go about our lawful activities and continue to build a stronger, safer, and more prosperous local government area for all”, she said.
(The Sun)