The Ebonyi State House of Assembly has passed a landmark bill aimed at ending the long-standing conflict between the people of Effium and Ezza-Effium in Ohaukwu Local Government Area. The bill, titled “Effium and Ezza-Effium Peace Accord, Autonomous Communities Creation, and Land Demarcation Law, 2025,” was passed during a plenary session held at the legislative complex, Nkaliki Road, Abakaliki.
The plenary, presided over by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Chief Moses Ije Odunwa, followed the reading of a letter from the State Governor, Chief Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, which described the bill as crucial for restoring lasting peace and driving development in the region.
The letter was adopted as a working document following a motion moved by the Leader of the House, Chief Kingsley Ikoro, and seconded by Hon. Esther Chidiebere Agwu, who represents Ohaukwu North State Constituency.
Chief Ikoro, in his remarks, underscored the historical futility of land disputes, urging all parties to embrace unity:
“Most of these land disputes date back centuries, yet no one truly remembers what was there 300 years ago or what will be there in another 300. It’s time we stopped fighting over land and started living in peace.”
He called for the speedy passage of the bill, emphasizing that the primary duty of government is to protect lives and property.
Also speaking in support, Hon. Friday Ogbuewu of Ezza South State Constituency lauded the governor’s peace efforts, stating that the bill was a necessary step toward permanent resolution.
“These communities have suffered the loss of lives and destruction of properties worth billions. The creation of autonomous communities is a step in the right direction.”
Hon. Agwu, who represents a constituency directly affected by the crisis, reaffirmed that the new law would help heal the wounds of conflict and restore peace.
Other lawmakers, including Hon. Oluchukwu Ukie Ezeali (Afikpo East), Hon. Aloysius Nwodo (Ebonyi North West), and Chief Godwin Abiri (Izzi West), echoed similar sentiments, hailing the governor’s initiative and stressing the need for the bill’s immediate implementation.
Speaker Odunwa warned that the government would not tolerate further violence, stating:
“No community should engage in war for selfish interests. The demarcation outlined in this bill must be respected. People must relocate to their designated sides as stipulated, and all must honor state and federal land boundaries.”
With unanimous approval from members, the bill — now designated House Bill No. 005 of 2025 — was passed. The Clerk of the House, Mrs. Edene Uche Blessing, was directed to notify the Governor of its passage.
The session ended with a motion for adjournment moved by Chief Ikoro and seconded by Hon. Chinyere Nwogbaga (Ebonyi North East), setting the stage for the next legislative day.
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