Governor Umahi’s Aide Reacts to Allegations of Prejudice in Panel of Inquiry

Governor Umahi’s Aide Reacts to Allegations of Prejudice in Panel of Inquiry: Ekoli Edda, a community in Afikpo South Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, has petitioned the Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari, and the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, over the state government’s alleged efforts to free persons implicated in the killing of a pregnant woman, police inspector and other youths in the community.

Chief Julius Oji, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ebonyi State and one of the conveners of Edda Identity, a socio-political group in the community, made this known on Tuesday in Abakaliki.

Chief Oji revealed that the Ebonyi State government was attempting to release the suspects, currently in police custody, without proper trial by a competent court of law.

He recalled that on December 26, 2022, a police inspector, Festus Akpan, and two civilians were killed when hoodlums engaged security operatives in a gun duel at Ekoli Edda community.

Governor David Umahi had set up a panel of Inquiry to, among other things, find out the remote and immediate causes of the crisis in the community.

However, Chief Oji accused the governor of playing politics with the crisis and pointed out the panel’s prejudicial stances, as reflected in its alleged advice to suspects who testified to “go and make peace” among themselves instead of allowing the law to take its course.

He further opined that the panel was set up to deceive the Edda people and alleged that the ulterior motive was to release the suspects and let them go scot-free.

Chief Oji then called on President Muhammadu Buhari to deploy special forces to Edda clan to avert further killings in future.

In response, Governor Umahi’s aide, Chooks Okoh, Special Assistant on Media and Strategy, said that the Police had arrested people and released those they believe do not have questions to answer, adding that Governor Umahi wants a lasting peace in Edda and the composition of the commission will certainly deliver it.