The Kogi Central Elders Council has noted with grave concern the happenings which took place during and since December 29th, 2022 when President Muhammadu Buhari visited the area.

A statement by the council signed by its chairman, Adai Steven J. Yakubu however thanked God for His mercies in keeping everyone alive despite the pandemonium in the land during the visit of the President.

The statement noted with joy the success of the commissioning of the legacy projects, thus lifting the image of Governor Yahaya Bello and the people of Kogi State to enviable heights.

Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello (L), Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, HRM Alhaji Ado Ibrahim (R)

It however noted with concern the on-going impasse between the Kogi State Government and the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland describing it as worrisome to all Ebira sons and daughters particularly organizations which aims and objectives are geared towards ensuring peace and progress of the area, key among which is Kogi Central Elders Council.

“This is why the Council is coming out with an appeal to all parties concerned to sheath their swords and subject the whole saga to a round-table amicable resolution

“We are aware that the State Government has issued a query to the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland His Royal Majesty Alh. Dr. Ado Ibrahim CON, for not being present at the designated venue to welcome the Nigerian President His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari GCFR, when he visited Kogi State to commission some projects executed by the State Government of His Excellency Alh. Yahaya Adoza Bello on 29th December, 2022, to which His Royal Majesty has replied

“We are also aware that a fatal bomb blast also occurred near the Ohinoyi’s private palace earlier same day, claiming the lives of some innocent people and damaging structures in the vicinity of the palace and its environs

“Since then, there have been brickbats by individuals and groups regarding the rationale or otherwise of the query.
The Kogi Central Council sees these developments as not improving the image and progressive status of Ebira people which are nationally and internationally acclaimed and envied

“It is in this regard that the Council would wish to appeal to both the Kogi State Government and His Royal Majesty the Ohinoyi to consider a peaceful settlement of the impasse in order not to destabilize the relative social peace now prevailing across Kogi Central

“We wish to seize this opportunity to commend the State Government for the legacy projects commissioned by the President in Kogi Central during the visit. Let us not overlook what promotes our developments that have come to us, which should normally give joy and unity to the land

“Finally, we wish to make a clarion call to all Ebira personalities and elites, home and abroad, to make a quick intervention in order to douse the heat and potential bad blood that can result from the present stand-off

“We appeal to those who have engaged in fueling the crisis with past issues of animosity to refrain from such acts. We should rather preach peace. Let us remember the unity and brotherhood with which our ancestors fought our enemies and saved our Ebira community from external conquests of which we are proud today and priding ourselves as an unconquered community. With brotherly love and peace, we can always achieve developmental progress and fame for ourselves and posterity” The statement added.

The statement enjoined all hands of Anebira to be on deck to ensure the amicable resolution of the differences, such that the State Government and the Ohinoyi are back in good relations and harmony.