Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi has urged politicians to use their positions to promote peace and harmony among communities.

Mr Nwifuru said this while signing a bill passed by the State House of Assembly to broker a peace accord between the feuding Effium and Anioma communities of Ohaukwu Local Government Area.

The governor, who signed the bill on Thursday in Abakaliki, said politicians could make life difficult for their people through their utterances and actions.

“Politicians, educated, enlightened people from the affected areas were making unguarded and instigating statements as we arrived at the peace accord.

“The people believed them, and this is why the conflict continued,” he said.

He thanked stakeholders from the two communities, security agents and all those who contributed to the peace accord for their efforts.

“We are on the path of peace and justice, and not bothered about those opposing us,” the governor said. “There are people who feed on crises and don’t want such to end because it is their source of income.”

“We are, however, ready for them and will do everything possible to ensure that lasting peace returns to the area,” he said.

Mr Nwifuru announced the creation of five autonomous communities in the area, with three coming from Effium and two coming from Anioma, formerly Ezza Effium.

“The state government will take control of the market and its adjoining areas, while the forest remains the preserve of the federal government,” Mr Nwifuru said.

The State House of Assembly speaker, Moses Odunwa, said the House expedited deliberation on the executive bill because of its significance to peace.

“We cannot continue fighting and wasting precious lives; the governor should be supported in championing permanent peace in the area,” he said.

Franklin Ogbuewu, former Nigerian ambassador to Greece, who chaired the peace committee, urged the people to adhere to the governor’s peaceful admonitions and live in love.

The conflict between the communities commenced in 2021 due to a dispute over toll collection at a motor park.

The fratricidal conflict led to the loss of several lives, including those of security agencies on a peace-keeping mission and properties worth millions of naira.

(NAN)