Ebonyi recalls monarch suspended over communal crisis
From Chinedu Nwafor Abakaliki
Ebonyi State government has recalled the traditional ruler of Ishinkwo Community, Eze Jesophat Ikegwu, who was suspended indefinitely weeks ago over a renewed communal crisis that led to the killings of natives in the area.
The government had declared in a statement signed by the Secretary to the State government, and Coordinating Commissioner, Dr Kenneth Ugbala, that the monarch’s suspension followed his inability to stop the ongoing killings in his area.
The people of Ishinkwo and Abaomege had been enmeshed in an intractable communal war over decades over a land dispute that has led to scores of deaths and destruction of property.
The State Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Barrister Uchenna Orji, who disclosed this while briefing Journalists on Monday on the outcome of the last State Executive Council (Exco) meeting, held on Saturday, said government resolved to lift the suspension of the traditional ruler of Isinkwo Ukawu effective 26th day of November, 2022.
“Exco resolved to lift the suspension of the Traditional Ruler of Isinkwo Ukawu effective 26th day of November, 2022. Exco noted that there had been decorum and abatement of hostilities since the suspension of the traditional ruler.
“Exco directed that the traditional ruler must undertake to continue to keep the peace in the area as a condition for his reinstatement,” Orji said.
Orji further announced the State government plan to seek N4bn loan to build 500 affordable housing units close to David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of the State.
He said the essence of the housing project was to ensure that the staff of the University and the Teaching hospital are living close to the institution to discharge their duties at all times.
He said the State Ministry of Trade and Investment brought the request to the State Council meeting which was considered and approved.
Orji noted that the State Government had developed several other estates including Camp David estate, Ugwuachara estate, Park estate, Salt City estate etc. to cater for housing needs of the inhabitants of the State.
He said: “EXco received a memo from the State Ministry of Trade and Investment requesting approval of Exco and the State House of Assembly to borrow the sum of 4Billion Naira to build 500 affordable housing units close to David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area.
“The State Government had developed several estates including Camp David estate, Ugwuachara estate, Park estate, Salt City estate etc. to cater for housing needs of the inhabitants of the State.
“The essence of this housing project is to ensure that the staff of the University and the Teaching hospital are living close to the institution to discharge their duties at all times. Exco considered the memo and approved same for onwards transmission to the House of Assembly for their necessary Legislative action.” Orji added that the Exco also received a report of the joint review committee on the sale of 9D Ebonyi State Modern Games and other games for Children and adults, and approved the sale of the Games, but noted that the “sales did not include any Mall space and therefore the buyer is obliged to buy a space at the shopping mall to enhance their business”.
