Ebonyi elders warn politicians against violence

Ebonyi Council of Elders has sounded a serious warning to political actors to retrace their steps and stop indulging in actions capable of throwing the state into violence, reminiscent of what happened in 1999.

Chairman of the Council,  Ben Okah, handed down the warning during a press briefing at the Old Government House, Abakaliki, on Friday.

Okah condemned vehemently an alleged move by some people to use the court to canvass the removal of the governor and his deputy on account of their defection from the PDP to the APC.

He described as untrue insinuations that there were two governments in the state, adding, “We do not have two governments in Ebonyi State.

“We are Ebonyi State elders’ council; our job is to advise everybody to maintain peace and order. Our call is to the generality of Ebonyi people, not to ferment troubles that will limit our development.

“I believe that they should look at it dispassionately and see that we are not biased. We must say what we have seen and advised, using our language.

“All of you were here when we had serious violence in this state, where we lost both lives and properties. We do not want that in this state now. A stich in time saves nine.

“We want to put everybody on notice. It doesn’t matter the party you are and what your aspiration is, but it must be done properly to avoid any violence and destruction.

“You know that people have been making statements insinuating that there are two governments in Ebonyi State. It’s not true. For now, there is just one government, until the court says a different thing.”