2027: Odoh Urges Ezza Elders to invoke curses on perpetrators of violence in Ezza land 

By Godwin Aliuna, Abakaliki

The Ebonyi Central Senatorial candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Prof. Ben Odoh, has urged the Ezza Ezekuna Elders Council to invoke appropriate traditional sanctions against individuals allegedly responsible for killings, attacks, destruction of properties and other acts of violence in Ezza land.

Odoh also urged the traditional institution not to discourage individuals from exercising their constitutional rights to contest elections, adding that such a move could aggravate political tension and deepen the existing crisis in the area.

The senatorial candidate made the remarks while speaking with journalists shortly after attending a meeting of the Ezza Ezekuna Elders Council at the residence of its chairman, Chief Ugo Chima, in Echara community, Ezza South Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

He condemned the reported killings, attacks, intimidation and political blackmail in Ezza communities, describing those responsible as enemies of the collective peace and progress of the Ezza people.

According to him, the elders must move beyond appeals for peace and take concrete steps to address the security challenges confronting the area by holding those responsible accountable.

Odoh argued that perpetrators of violence were not necessarily unknown persons, insisting that victims and affected communities could identify individuals allegedly involved in attacks and destruction of property.

“My submission is that this is when the elders should step in and take appropriate steps to address the concerns.

“Those who are shooting across our communities are known. They don’t wear masks. They come from communities; they have families.

“Those that have been injured and those whose properties have been destroyed are known, and those who destroyed their properties,” he said.

He urged the elders to consider traditional measures against individuals found responsible for the violence, arguing that where conventional legal processes were inadequate, traditional institutions could also play a role in promoting accountability.

“The elders should place curses on those perpetrating such acts. If we cannot go the legal way, we can go the traditional way,” he added.

However, Odoh stressed that the need to restore peace in Ezza land should not be used to undermine democratic participation or prevent interested individuals from seeking elective positions.

He maintained that democracy guarantees citizens the right to contest elections and support candidates of their choice, irrespective of their political affiliations or ambitions.

According to him, any pronouncement by the elders that could be interpreted as placing restrictions on political participation might create resentment, encourage confrontation and further destabilise communities.

“I have also said that in a democracy, people have rights to run for elections and to vote for candidates of their choice.

The NDC candidate further advised the elders to adopt dialogue and persuasion in addressing political disagreements rather than making pronouncements that could be perceived as imposing restrictions on political aspirations.

“If you are persuading someone to run for election, persuade the person. But don’t take a position that suggests that you are placing a ban on people contesting. It will fuel violence and instigate all the confusion we are having now,” Odoh stated.

He maintained that the protection of lives and property, respect for democratic rights and peaceful coexistence should remain central to efforts by traditional leaders and political stakeholders to address the challenges confronting Ezza land.

Odoh’s intervention comes amid concerns over reported insecurity, political disagreements and tensions in parts of Ezza communities, with calls for traditional leaders and other stakeholders to intensify efforts towards restoring peace and preventing further violence.