EBONYI LAWMAKER REJECTS GENOCIDE ALLEGATIONS AGAINST GOVERNOR NWIFURU, CALLS CLAIMS “RECKLESS AND INFLAMMATORY”

A fresh controversy has erupted in Ebonyi State following allegations of genocide levelled against Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, claims that have now been forcefully dismissed by a federal lawmaker representing the state.

Hon. Chinedu Ogah, who represents Ikwo/Ezza South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has described the accusation as “reckless, misleading and devoid of factual basis,” urging the accuser to retract her statements and apologise to the people of Ebonyi.

The allegations were raised by human rights campaigner Joy Idam, who accused the governor of presiding over actions amounting to genocide in Amasiri community. The claims are tied to a long-standing land dispute between neighbouring communities, a conflict that has reportedly led to fatalities and destruction of property over the years.

Dispute Rooted in Decades-Old Tensions

Addressing journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, Ogah insisted that the crisis in Amasiri is neither new nor peculiar to the current administration. According to him, several communal and boundary disputes across Ebonyi State predate Governor Nwifuru’s tenure by over two decades.

“Before the inauguration of this governor, 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 argued that branding the crisis as genocide grossly misrepresents the situation and risks aggravating tensions in a fragile environment. The lawmaker stressed that communal conflicts, while tragic, should not be conflated with systematic attempts to exterminate a group — a legal threshold that genocide implies under international law.

Government Response to Renewed Clashes

Ogah disclosed that following renewed tensions in Amasiri, Governor Nwifuru constituted a fact-finding panel to investigate the dispute and propose actionable recommendations. He said the administration has since begun implementing those recommendations in collaboration with traditional rulers, community leaders and security agencies.

The lawmaker defended the temporary imposition of a curfew in the affected area, describing it as a precautionary security measure aimed at preventing further violence and safeguarding lives and property.

“Measures such as curfews and temporary school closures were necessary steps to de-escalate tensions. They were not targeted actions against any group,” Ogah explained, noting that restrictions have since been relaxed as normalcy gradually returns.

Call for Retraction and On-Ground Assessment

Ogah was particularly critical of Idam’s public statements, alleging that she had been absent from the state for several years and was therefore not adequately informed about current realities.

“It is unfair for anyone who has not been present on the ground to accuse the governor of genocide. Such statements are not only false but capable of escalating tensions,” he said.

He challenged the activist to visit Ebonyi State to independently assess the situation, insisting that dialogue and responsible advocacy, rather than sensational claims, are necessary to sustain peace efforts.

Broader Governance Record Cited

Beyond addressing the security concerns, Ogah highlighted what he described as significant milestones under Governor Nwifuru’s administration. He pointed to expanded youth scholarship programmes, infrastructure development and inclusive governance initiatives.

According to him, approximately 400 Ebonyi youths are currently studying in the United Kingdom under government-funded scholarships, with beneficiaries drawn from Amasiri and other communities across the state. He described the initiative as evidence of the governor’s commitment to equitable development.

The lawmaker also cited the construction of new classroom blocks in several local government areas, enhanced grassroots security mechanisms, and increased institutional support for traditional rulers to manage local disputes more effectively.

“He has made deliberate efforts to carry everyone along, irrespective of political or community affiliations,” Ogah added.

A Delicate Moment for Ebonyi

The exchange underscores the sensitivity of communal conflicts in Nigeria’s South-East, where land disputes often intertwine with historical grievances and identity politics. Observers note that the language used to describe such crises can significantly shape public perception and policy responses.

For now, Ogah maintains that the allegation of genocide is “completely false” and insists that the state government remains focused on stabilising affected communities and consolidating peace.

“The governor has worked tirelessly to ensure peace, stability, and development in Ebonyi State,” he said.

As tensions gradually subside in Amasiri, the larger debate continues — not only about the facts on the ground, but also about the responsibility that comes with public advocacy in volatile situations.