BY AGNES NWORIE,
ABAKALIKI
A socio cultural group identified as Ezza Ezekuna Development Association has declared its unwavering support for Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru’s administration and reaffirmed its commitment to the existing zoning arrangement in Ebonyi State.
Addressing journalists during a press conference in Abakaliki the state capital on Thursday, the National President of EEDA, Kingsley Akam insisted that the governorship seat should remain in Ebonyi North until 2031.
The association also used the occasion to formally introduce itself as the umbrella platform for promoting the unity, development and collective interests of Ezza people and the association was established as a legally recognized socio-cultural, socio-economic and socio-political organisation following its registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission in April 2024.
He explained that the body would provide strategic leadership and advocate for issues affecting Ezza communities across Ebonyi State and beyond.
Akam said the association was not created to serve political ambitions but to foster unity, development, responsible citizenship and constructive engagement with government and other stakeholders. According to him, EEDA would serve as the authoritative voice of Ezza people on matters affecting their collective welfare and ensure that their interests are properly represented.
Speaking on governance, the association commended Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru for what it described as remarkable strides in promoting peace, infrastructure development, youth empowerment, education and human capital development across the state. It pledged to support the administration in its efforts to build a more peaceful, prosperous and united Ebonyi State.
“We acknowledge, with genuine appreciation, the efforts of the administration of His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru in promoting peace, expanding opportunities for citizens and advancing developmental initiatives across Ebonyi State,” Akam said. “EEDA expresses its firm support for the administration and assures the government of the full cooperation and partnership of Ezza people.”
On the issue of political succession, the association reaffirmed its commitment to the zoning arrangement in Ebonyi State, maintaining that equity, fairness and political stability should continue to guide leadership transition. It stated that the governorship rightly remains in Ebonyi North until 2031 and distanced Ezza people from any campaign seeking to alter the existing arrangement.
The group also criticised a recent communiqué issued by a body identified as the “Umuekumenyi Leaders’ Council,” describing it as lacking legal recognition and representative authority. EEDA alleged that the group neither had the mandate of the people nor constitutional backing to speak on behalf of Umuekumenyi communities, urging the public to treat its statements as personal opinions rather than the collective position of Ezza people.
“We declare that the so-called Umuekumenyi Leaders’ Council is an illegal and unrecognised body. It speaks neither for Ezza Ezekuna nor for the wider Umuekumenyi constituency,” Akam stated. He further announced what he described as the association’s “irrevocable endorsement” of Governor Nwifuru for a second term, saying the decision was based on the administration’s commitment to peace, development and inclusive governance.
The association called on all sons and daughters of Ezza Ezekuna to embrace unity, reject misinformation and work together for the advancement of their communities. It pledged to collaborate with traditional rulers, elders, the political class, the business community, academics, youths and government institutions to build a stronger Ezza nation while contributing to the continued development of Ebonyi State and Nigeria.
