EBONYI State governor, Dr. Sam Egwu has laments the Tuesday bomb explosion that rocked the Anambra State governor’s lodge, saying that the incident could jeopardise the peace process in the state. Egwu told Weekend Vanguard that time has come for all the parties in the Anambra State crisis to exhibit "mercy and forgiveness as good Christians" in the interest of the people of the state.
It’s a pity over what happened last Tuesday night. My heart bleeds for the people of Anambra State and Ndigbo in general. When I heard that incident early Wednesday morning, I just wasn’t myself. I almost cried. It was very uncomfortable because I thought we were getting somewhere near peaceful resolution of this problem.
As the chairman of the presidential peace committee in the Anambra crisis, I must tell you that I have been very optimistic that the problem would be resolved. I was happy that both sides gave me cooperation and can indeed be said to be willing to make peace with one another because Anambra State needs peace at this time. Anambra State needs the prayer of all men and women of goodwill.
I had thought that the recent mayhem in the state was enough for everybody to go back home and reflect where individually and collectively they might have gone wrong, and then look for ways things can be resolved amicably because I must tell you, forgiveness, dialogue and tolerance can do a lot in the quest for peace in Anambra.
I was there (Awka) the other day to see things (level of destruction) for myself and I must tell you that I shuddered at what I saw. I asked myself whether people can go to this extent of destroying their own properties because the things belong to the entire Anambra people. In politics, there are bound to be disagreements and misunderstanding but such disputes are meant to be resolved amicably, afterall what is the essence of political power if not to give good governance to the people who in their wisdom elected us to serve? So, if this is the basis of seeking power, then we would have no need for a do-or-die approach.
We (Ebonyi State government) had a similar problem in Ebonyi with some of our brothers but eventually, that one came to pass. We resolved that because we kept an open mind. We were prepared to make peace with everybody so that Ebonyi State, as young as it is, will move forward. We had to make that sacrifice and God was also merciful.
I must say here that further violence in any form in Anambra State should be discontinued so that we can collectively find a way out of this problem once and for all. I believe that this is not the time for recriminations and blames. We have all made our points and I think common sense should now begin to prevail because at the end of all these violence, the peace table is still the only destination.
So, I must call on all those who are perpetrating the violence to hold their fire for now. I urge all the security agencies in Anambra State to be more vigilant to ensure that these things (violence) are prevented. The decision to restore the security of the governor, (Dr) Chris Ngige as directed by the police Inspector General is commendable. I think the IGP has taken a wonderful step and has shown his deep concern for peace in Anambra State.
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