By Chijioke Simon, Abakaliki
The Executive Chairman of Ezza South Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, Chief Euphemia Nwali, has issued a stern warning to political parties, leaders, supporters and other political actors against violence, intimidation, thuggery and other acts capable of threatening peace in the area.
Nwali, in a statement issued on Sunday, declared that her administration would not tolerate any political activity capable of causing crisis, disrupting businesses or putting the lives and property of residents at risk.
The council boss particularly urged opposition political parties, their leaders, members and supporters to conduct their activities peacefully and within the confines of the law, stressing that political differences must not be allowed to degenerate into violence.
She said, “Let me state clearly and without any ambiguity that I will not tolerate any form of political violence, crisis, intimidation, attack, thuggery, harassment or any act capable of disrupting the prevailing peace and security in Ezza South Local Government Area.”
According to her, while citizens have the constitutional right to choose their preferred political parties and participate in lawful political activities, such rights must be exercised with maturity, tolerance and respect for the rights, safety and freedom of others.
Nwali stressed that no political ambition was worth the life of any resident of the council area, warning that she would not allow Ezza South to become a theatre of violence because of political interests.
“No political ambition or interest is worth the blood or life of any son or daughter of Ezza South. I will not stand by and watch any individual or group, no matter how highly placed or politically connected, turn our peaceful local government area into a theatre of violence, crisis and insecurity,” she declared.
The chairman disclosed that her administration had taken steps to strengthen security across the local government through collaboration with the police, internal security personnel and other relevant security agencies.
She said the measures were aimed at protecting lives and property, ensuring peaceful movement and enabling residents to conduct their legitimate businesses without fear.
Nwali also warned individuals or groups allegedly planning to sponsor attacks, intimidate residents or foment crisis to reconsider their plans, noting that security agencies had been placed on alert to identify and apprehend anyone involved in activities capable of causing a breach of peace.
“Let those planning to cause trouble, sponsor attacks, intimidate innocent citizens or foment crisis have a change of heart. Our security agencies have been placed on alert to identify, arrest and bring to justice anybody or group found to be involved in any act capable of causing a breach of peace,” she said.
She further declared that political affiliation, social status or personal connections would not protect anyone found to be threatening the peace and security of Ezza South.
“Nobody is above the law. Irrespective of political affiliation, social status or position, anybody found threatening the peace of Ezza South will be apprehended and made to face the full consequences of his or her actions in accordance with the law,” Nwali warned.
The council chairman equally called on political leaders and stakeholders to caution their supporters against inflammatory statements, hate campaigns, provocation and other conduct capable of escalating political tension.
She urged traditional rulers, community leaders, religious leaders, youth and women leaders and other stakeholders to work with the council administration and security agencies to sustain peace across the local government.
Nwali appealed to residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements, planned attacks or other activities capable of threatening public safety, stressing that security was a collective responsibility.
“If you see something suspicious, do not keep quiet. Report it immediately,” she urged, adding that timely and credible information could help security agencies prevent attacks and save lives.
The chairman reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to the peace, unity, security and development of Ezza South, urging residents to place the collective interest of the council above political differences.
“Ezza South belongs to all of us. We may belong to different political parties and hold different political opinions, but we are one people, bound by a common heritage and a collective responsibility to protect our communities and secure a better future for our children,” she said.
Nwali finally urged all political actors to embrace peaceful, democratic and lawful engagement, warning that anyone who chooses violence or attempts to destabilise the council would have the law to contend with.
“Politics must not lead to bloodshed. Anybody who chooses to foment trouble or disturb the peace of our people will have the law to contend with,” she declared.