Ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Ebonyi State, the Abuja Chapter of Ebonyi Community (EBOCOM) has called on political actors and other stakeholders to protect the peace and stability of the state.
The group, in a statement signed by its President-General, Chief Idenyi Chinedu Edward, and Secretary, Comrade Elem Okoh, rejected what it described as a sponsored campaign of blackmail allegedly aimed at disrupting the peace and progress of Ebonyi State.
EBOCOM alleged that recent protests and criticisms directed at the administration of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru and the Commissioner of Police, CP Hope Urunwa Okafor, were being driven by what it described as sponsored criminal elements, external agitators and local collaborators.
The group, however, did not provide details or independent evidence publicly establishing the alleged sponsorship or collaboration.
EBOCOM said it stood with Governor Nwifuru, CP Okafor and officers of the Nigeria Police Force working to maintain peace and security across the state.
According to the organisation, the recent developments represented an attempt to undermine the state’s peace and progress.
The group also disclosed that it had petitioned the Inspector-General of Police over what it described as the activities of external collaborators and their alleged local agents.
EBOCOM said security agencies should investigate the allegations and ensure that anyone found to have violated the law is dealt with according to due process.
The organisation attributed what it described as improved security conditions in parts of Ebonyi to the administration’s peace initiatives and what it called professional, intelligence-driven and community-based policing under CP Okafor.
It specifically cited areas including Amankwo and the Effium axis, as well as other previously volatile locations, saying dialogue, engagement with traditional institutions, appropriate demarcation and empowerment initiatives had contributed to relative calm.
EBOCOM contrasted the situation in Ebonyi with security challenges experienced in parts of Benue, Kogi, Borno and other states, arguing that efforts to sustain peace should not be undermined by political differences.
The group also defended recent remarks by Governor Nwifuru while inaugurating newly elected local government chairmen, describing the comments as motivational charges to the new council leaders rather than threats to democratic governance.
According to EBOCOM, the Governor’s remarks were aimed at reminding the newly elected chairmen of their responsibilities to provide effective governance and ensure that the benefits of democracy reach residents at the grassroots.
“They were the words of a coach charging his team. Every serious leader who wants results speaks with firmness,” the group said.
EBOCOM urged political parties, candidates, supporters and other stakeholders preparing for the 2027 elections to conduct their activities peacefully and within the law.
The organisation maintained that political competition should not be allowed to undermine the security, unity and development of Ebonyi State, calling on residents to reject actions capable of returning the state to violence and instability.
