The member representing Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency of Ebonyi State in the House of Representatives, Hon. Chinedu Ogah, has dismissed allegations of genocide levelled against the Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, describing the claims as unfounded, misleading, and politically motivated.
A human rights activist, Mrs. Joy Idam, had alleged that Governor Nwifuru was committing genocide against the Amasiri community amid a protracted land dispute with a neighbouring community, which reportedly resulted in the loss of lives and destruction of property.
Addressing journalists at a press conference in Abuja, Hon. Ogah strongly refuted the allegations and called on Mrs. Idam to tender an unreserved apology to the people of Ebonyi State for what he described as inflammatory and false accusations capable of inciting unrest.
The lawmaker maintained that the allegations were far removed from the realities on ground, insisting that Governor Nwifuru has demonstrated responsible and proactive leadership in addressing insecurity and resolving communal conflicts across the state.
According to him, several communities in Ebonyi State had been entangled in land disputes for over two decades prior to the current administration. He noted that deliberate interventions by the governor, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, security agencies, and community leaders, have significantly restored peace in many affected areas.
“Before the inauguration of this administration, nearly 10 communities were engaged in various communal clashes. Today, those conflicts have largely been resolved due to proactive engagement and people-centred governance,” Ogah stated.
He explained that following renewed tensions in Amasiri, the governor constituted a panel to investigate the dispute and make recommendations for sustainable resolution. The temporary imposition of a curfew in the affected area, he said, was a necessary security measure aimed at preventing further violence and safeguarding lives and property. He added that the curfew has since been relaxed as calm gradually returns to the community.
Ogah criticised Mrs. Idam for allegedly being absent from the state for several years, arguing that she lacked firsthand knowledge of the current situation.
“It is unfair for anyone who is not on ground and not conversant with the facts to accuse the governor of genocide. Such statements are not only false but capable of escalating tensions and undermining peace efforts,” he said.
Highlighting the achievements of the Nwifuru administration, the lawmaker pointed to ongoing youth scholarship programmes, infrastructural development projects, and inclusive governance initiatives across the state.
He disclosed that about 400 Ebonyi youths are currently benefiting from overseas scholarship programmes in the United Kingdom, with beneficiaries drawn from Amasiri and other communities across the state. He also cited the construction of classroom blocks in various local government areas and enhanced security initiatives designed to empower traditional rulers and strengthen grassroots peacebuilding.
Ogah further emphasized that the governor’s leadership style has been inclusive, accommodating stakeholders across political divides in the interest of unity and development.
He therefore urged Mrs. Idam to retract her statements and visit Ebonyi State to verify developments firsthand, stressing that temporary measures such as school closures and curfews were strategic responses to security concerns and intra-community clashes, not acts of persecution.
“The allegation of genocide is completely false. The governor has worked tirelessly to ensure peace, stability, and development in Ebonyi State,” Ogah concluded.
