Hon. Chinedu Ogah, the member representing Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has strongly rejected claims of genocide leveled against Ebonyi State Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, describing them as baseless, misleading, and inflammatory.
The allegations were made by human rights activist Joy Idam, who accused the governor of perpetrating genocide against the Amasiri community in connection with a long-standing land dispute between Amasiri and a neighboring community.
The dispute has reportedly resulted in loss of lives and property.Speaking at a press conference, Rep. Ogah dismissed the claims as disconnected from the realities on the ground and urged Idam to apologize to the people of Ebonyi State for what he called false and provocative statements.
He emphasized that Governor Nwifuru has shown exemplary leadership in addressing insecurity and resolving communal conflicts throughout the state.
According to Ogah, many communities in Ebonyi had been locked in land-related clashes for over two decades before the current administration, but the governor's targeted interventions through engagement with stakeholders and community leaders have largely restored peace.“Before the inauguration of this governor, nearly 10 communities were engaged in various communal clashes.
Today, those conflicts have largely been resolved due to proactive engagement and people-centred governance,” Ogah stated.
Regarding the recent tensions in Amasiri, he noted that the governor promptly set up a panel to investigate the dispute and implement its recommendations.
A curfew was imposed as a temporary security measure to halt further violence, but it has since been relaxed following the return of calm. Schools in the area remain closed as a precaution.
Ogah criticized Idam for allegedly being absent from the state for years, arguing that she lacks the on-the-ground perspective needed to make such serious accusations.
“It is unfair for anyone who has not been present on the ground to accuse the governor of genocide. Such statements are not only false but capable of escalating tensions,” he said.
The lawmaker highlighted key achievements of the Nwifuru administration, including youth overseas scholarship programs (with about 400 Ebonyi youths currently studying in the United Kingdom, including beneficiaries from Amasiri), infrastructure projects like classroom blocks across local governments, and security measures empowering traditional rulers for grassroots peace efforts.
He described the governor's governance style as inclusive, accommodating stakeholders across political parties to foster unity and development.
“The allegation of genocide is completely false. The governor has worked tirelessly to ensure peace, stability, and development in Ebonyi State,” Ogah concluded.
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