By Silvernews
Retired Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Uche Nwagu has called on stakeholders and residents of Eziala Ogwu community in Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area to embrace dialogue and reconciliation following the resurgence of crisis in the area.
Nwagu, who spoke while responding to questions from Silvernews, urged all aggrieved groups to sheathe their swords and prioritise communal harmony, stressing that peace remains critical to development.
The former military officer, who previously played a prominent role in peace restoration efforts in the community, expressed concern that the crisis, which lasted for over a decade, has resurfaced barely a year after relative peace was achieved.
According to him, the earlier restoration of peace created an enabling environment for development and cooperation among community members before fresh tensions emerged late last year.
Investigations revealed that the renewed disagreement began when a faction of the community staged a walkout during a meeting, alleging marginalisation and lack of due recognition in community affairs.
The Umuchoko kindred later raised allegations against the Chairman of Aladimma Eziala Ogwu, including concerns surrounding the arrest of a chief accused of defiling the ground Child.
The development reportedly triggered protests among members of the kindred.
Nwagu, who made commitments towards reconciliation during the December convention of Eziala Ogwu indigenes in the United States and Canada, appealed to the people of Umuchoko and the Head of Aladimma Eziala Ogwu, Nze Ugochukwu Udaku, to resolve their differences in the interest of peace and progress.
The renewed tension follows a recommendation by the US-Canada mediation team calling for the dissolution of Aladimma Eziala Ogwu.
However, the recommendation has been rejected by the people of Umuorji and other segments of the community.
The groups argued that Aladimma operates as an appendage of the traditional institution and lacks constitutional provisions for dissolution through external mediation. They insisted that any decision affecting the structure of the body must follow established traditional and constitutional procedures.
Meanwhile, the people of Umuorji have reaffirmed their position, declaring their recognition of Nze Ugochukwu Udaku as their sole candidate for the position of Aladimma.
Reiterating his appeal, Nwagu urged members of the Eziala Ogwu community to place unity above personal and group interests, noting that sustainable development can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace.
