2027: Ezza Land Must Not Become Battlefield for Political Gladiators — Aliuna Warns

.,..,.Ex-Reps candidate decries killings, destruction of property in Ezza North, South

….urges stakeholders to defend peace, unity

By Uchenna Okeh, Abakaliki

As political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, former House of Representatives candidate for Ebonyi Ohaukwu Federal Constituency, Aliuna Godwin, has warned against turning Ezza land into a battlefield for political gladiators, warning that the growing wave of violence could undermine the community’s peace, unity and political aspirations.

Aliuna, who expressed concern over reported attacks, killings and destruction of valuable property in Ezza North and Ezza South Local Government Areas of Ebonyi State, described the development as disturbing and a disservice to the image of the Ezza nation.

He urged political leaders, traditional rulers, community stakeholders, youth leaders and other influential sons and daughters of Ezza, both at home and in the diaspora, to speak out against the disturbing trend, stressing that silence in the face of recurring violence should not be mistaken for acceptance.

According to him, the reported incidents of violence threaten the atmosphere of peace and security required for meaningful political participation, democratic competition and sustainable development in the two local government areas.

The former House of Representatives candidate maintained that no political ambition, disagreement or rivalry was worth the loss of human lives, urging those involved in political activities to embrace dialogue, persuasion and the rule of law rather than resort to intimidation, attacks and destruction.

He expressed particular concern over reports of an incident at Amazekewe in which two young people from Ezza were reportedly killed, while several others sustained injuries, describing the alleged loss of lives as a painful reminder of the consequences of political violence.

Aliuna called on young people in Ezza communities to resist being drawn into violent confrontations by individuals pursuing personal or political interests, warning that the consequences of such actions could extend far beyond the immediate victims to families and the wider community.

He questioned the circumstances surrounding the reported possession and use of firearms by youths, urging security agencies to investigate how the weapons were obtained, the purposes for which they were allegedly acquired and whether anyone had sponsored or encouraged their use in politically motivated attacks.

He also called for thorough, impartial investigations into the reported incidents, insisting that anyone found to have participated in or sponsored criminal acts should be held accountable in accordance with the law.

The former candidate further urged the authorities to examine allegations of political interference where credible evidence exists, noting that accountability and justice would be essential to preventing further violence and restoring public confidence.

Aliuna said the growing tension should concern every Ezza son and daughter, particularly given the community’s long-standing contributions to the political, economic and social development of Ebonyi State and Nigeria.

He argued that a community seeking greater political representation and participation in the affairs of the state must first protect the lives, relationships and collective interests of its people.

Against this backdrop, Aliuna linked the need for peace and unity to the debate over the political future of Ezza people, particularly the question of governorship succession in 2031, when the current administration would have completed its constitutionally permitted tenure if Governor Francis Nwifuru secured re-election in 2027.

He expressed the view that Governor Nwifuru deserved support for a second term, citing what he described as the administration’s infrastructural achievements, efforts to restore peace and order, commitment to good governance and investment in human capital development.

However, Aliuna’s appeal for support for the governor, and underscored the importance of maintaining peace across Ezza communities, arguing that persistent internal conflicts could weaken the relationships and unity required for constructive political engagement in the future.

He questioned how Ezza people could effectively pursue their collective political aspirations if members of the same community continued to attack one another over political differences, warning that internal divisions could undermine the pursuit of greater representation for the area.

The former candidate urged political leaders to demonstrate responsibility by discouraging inflammatory rhetoric, rejecting violence and ensuring that their supporters understood the importance of peaceful political participation.

He also called on parents, community leaders, religious institutions and youth organisations to intensify efforts to discourage the use of violence as a means of settling political disputes, stressing that young people should not become expendable instruments in the pursuit of political power.

Aliuna maintained that the principles of justice, peace, accountability and the protection of human lives should remain central to governance and community relations, adding that security agencies and relevant institutions must act impartially in addressing complaints and investigating alleged offences.

He emphasised that political differences were inevitable in a democratic society but should be resolved through dialogue, persuasion, elections and lawful processes, rather than through threats, armed attacks or the destruction of property.

He urged Ezza stakeholders to rise above partisan considerations and work collectively towards restoring confidence, protecting lives and preserving the community’s reputation, warning that continued violence could leave lasting scars on families and undermine the area’s development prospects.

Aliuna concluded that the future of Ezza land should not be sacrificed on the altar of personal ambition or political rivalry, insisting that peace, unity and respect for human life must take precedence over the pursuit of office. 

He called on all stakeholders to ensure that the 2027 political season becomes an opportunity to strengthen democratic participation rather than deepen divisions within the community.