* Council Boss wades in
* Calls Stakeholders to Rescind Decision
The Afikpo North local government chairman, Hon. Barr. Oby Oko Enyim on Monday October 26, 2020 waded in the alleged decision of the Afikpo North stakeholders to send herdsmen packing from their area.
The Voice gathered that the Elders/Leaders of Ehugbo Land from Nkpoghoro, Ugwuegu, Ohaisu, Itim and Ozizza on Saturday, October 25, 2020 had a meeting at their Traditional Assembly at the popular Okpota-Amaizu and deliberated on how best to contain the incessant destruction of farms/crops by herdsmen cattle.
The elders resolved and placed quit notice to all Herders in Afikpo North and a ban on the sales/consumption of beef in Afikpo North.
According to a source, these decisions are expected to be ratify as Law by Essas and will be binding on all residents of Afikpo North at their plenary in the Traditional Council Chambers.
Following the sensitivity of the matter on the council’s security especially as the country’s security is threatened by #endsars protesters, Hon.Oko urgently waded into the matter and called on the Leaders of Essa Ehugbo Traditional Council of Elders to a meeting to amiably resolve the issue.
During the meeting held at the council’s headquarters, Hon Oko pleaded with the Essa-Ehugbo and good people of Afikpo to rescind the decision of sending herdsmen out of the town, adding that the decision would not be healthy for the country.
She assured the people of the area that the Governor of Ebonyi State, Engr. Dr. David Nweze Umahi had initiated measures that will curb the inappropriate grazing practices of herdsmen and the consequences of destruction of people’s farms/crops.
She urged them to continue to initiate local legislations that will contain crimes and social vices in the Society and pleaded with them to always notify her administration of any such legislations.
In his response, the Chairman of Essa Ehugbo Traditional Council of Elders, Ichie Christopher Abagha Egwu commended the Council Chairman for her proactive approach in the security and overall governance of the LGA which she has been exhibiting since her assumption of office.
They also promised that they will continue to avoid decisions that will be a threat to peaceful co-existence and harmonious living, and they will always take measures and decisions that will promote peace and mutual co-existence not just in Afikpo North, but also in Ebonyi State and Nigeria in general.
Nze Patrick Oti Owom and Chief Pius Ogbonnia Oko equally applauded the leadership of Afikpo North Local Government Area for the timely meeting even as they pledged that the Essa- Ehugbo will always work in synergy with the Government of Engr.Dave Umahi for peace to reign supreme in the State.
They noted that since the State Government has come up with a resolution with the Leadership of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, which was duely signed by relevant Stakeholders, Ebonyians should support the Government to conclude the good works they started.
