By Amara Ehia, Abakaliki
The Ezza Ezekuna Development Association (EEDA) on Thursday declared its full support for Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru’s second-term bid, insisting that the governorship of Ebonyi State should remain in Ebonyi North Senatorial Zone until 2031 in line with the state’s zoning arrangement.
The group also distanced the Ezza people from alleged anti-zoning campaigns in the state and dismissed the recently formed “Umuekumenyi Leaders’ Council” as an illegal and unrecognised body without the legitimacy to speak for the people.
Addressing journalists at a press conference, the National President of EEDA, Chief Kingsley Akam, said the association was established to safeguard the collective interests of the Ezza people and provide a unified platform for development, advocacy and socio-political engagement.
He said the association, which was formally registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission in April 2024, would promote unity, peaceful coexistence and sustainable development among Ezza communities within and outside Ebonyi State.
Akam stated that EEDA was not created as a political platform for any individual ambition, but as a credible institution committed to the welfare and advancement of the Ezza people.
According to him, the association decided to make its position public because the Ezza people could no longer remain silent while others attempted to define their political identity and collective interests in the public space.
The group commended Governor Nwifuru for what it described as deliberate efforts in peacebuilding, infrastructure renewal, youth empowerment, educational advancement and inclusive governance across the state.
EEDA particularly praised the governor’s intervention in communities previously affected by conflict, noting that his administration had restored stability and expanded opportunities for citizens across Ebonyi State.
The association consequently declared its “irrevocable endorsement” of Governor Nwifuru for a second term in office, insisting that continuity of his administration remained in the best interest of both the Ezza people and Ebonyi State.
Speaking on the political future of the state, Akam reaffirmed the group’s support for the zoning arrangement guiding political succession in Ebonyi State, stressing that no reasonable Ezza person would oppose the existing understanding that keeps the governorship in Ebonyi North until 2031.
He warned that personal political ambitions should never be allowed to threaten the peace and political stability already enjoyed in the state.
The association also criticised the so-called Umuekumenyi Leaders’ Council, describing it as a hastily assembled platform created by individuals pursuing personal political interests under the guise of communal representation.
EEDA maintained that the group had no legal existence, constitutional foundation or mandate from any recognised traditional or socio-cultural institution within Umuekumenyi.
“The individuals behind that platform were neither elected nor authorised to speak on behalf of Umuekumenyi people or Ezza Ezekuna. Their communiqué represents personal opinions and nothing more,” Akam stated.
The association urged the public and relevant stakeholders to disregard claims by the council suggesting that it represented the collective position of the Ezza people on issues concerning zoning and political succession in Ebonyi State.
EEDA further pledged to work closely with traditional leaders, elders, academics, business leaders, youths and government institutions in promoting peace, unity and development across Ezza communities.
The group called on all sons and daughters of Ezza Ezekuna to reject division, misinformation and selfish political interests capable of undermining the collective progress of the people.
It reiterated its commitment to building what it described as “a stronger Ezza nation, a more prosperous Ebonyi State and a better Nigeria.”
