In a small community in Ebonyi State, Nigeria, a three-year-old war has torn apart the residents of Ezza-Effium and Effium. The conflict, stemming from a dispute within the National Union of Road Transport Workers, has resulted in loss of life and destruction of property worth billions of naira.
Efforts to bring peace to the warring factions have been unsuccessful, despite interventions from the government and a peace panel led by retired Bishop Michael Okoro. The panel issued a white paper outlining a peace pact, but the people of Effium have rejected it, citing violations of their fundamental human rights.
The Ezza-Effium Consultative Assembly expressed their discontent with the peace pact, claiming that some stakeholders were coerced into signing it against their will. They argue that the white paper undermines their constitutional rights, labeling them as tenants in their own community and denying them the right to produce a traditional ruler.
The assembly denounced the peace pact as discriminatory and called for a reevaluation of the recommendations put forth by the peace panel. They demand a ceasefire and a fair resolution to issues such as revenue sharing in the motor park and marketplaces.
As the community strives for lasting peace, they urge Governor Nwifuru to reconsider the terms of the peace pact and work towards a solution that upholds their constitutional rights and restores harmony to Effium. The people of Ezza-Effium seek not just peace, but a peace that ensures their dignity and rights are respected.
