Anyim Vs Umahi: Founding Fathers Sue For Peace

Samuel Amah, Abakaliki

Ebonyi Founding Fathers Forum, has waded into the feud ‘raging’ between Governor David Umah; former President of the Senate, Chief Anyim Pius Anyim; and a former governor of the state and two-term Senator, Dr. Sam Egwu, calling on all parties to embrace peace for the progress and development of the state.

• Recall that Governor Umahi, a week after his defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress, has been enmeshed in a political embrogolio with Senators Anyim and Egwu, over issues sorrounding the governor’s decamping.
• 
• Umahi had alleged that he planned to defect to the APC with Anyim and the National Assembly members from the state, but first jumped ship, because they were planning to outsmart him.

FamousReporters had reported that as the faceoff raged, the governor accused both Anyim and Egwu of sponsoring members of the Indigenous People of Biafra to cause crisis in the state. In their separate reactions, while Egwu said he was ready to present himself for arrest if found guilty, the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation said Umahi was imprisoned by his inordinate ambition, saying it is either the governor was pursuing something or something was pursuing him.

But in a communique signed by the the Forum’s Presiding Chairman and former governor Martin Elechi and its Secretary, Dr. Boniface Chima after their meeting, a copy of which was obtained by FamousReporters, on Tuesday, the Founding Fathers said they was no need for further ‘war’ among the leaders.

They called on their supporters, “to cease fire and to do or say nothing that will endanger this peace process initiated by the Founding Fathers”.

The communique read in part, “That following the great concern arising from the war of words raging between the Governor of Ebonyi State, His Excellency, Engr. Chief David Umahi and Senators Anyim Pius and Anyim and Sam Ominyi Egwu, the Founding Fathers decided to mediate in order to broker peace.

“Consequently, a meeting was held at the Catholic Bishop’s Court, Abakaliki. The meeting was attended by Governor Umahi, Senators Anyim Pius Anyim, Sam Ominyi Egwu, His Lordship Most Reverend Micheal Nnachi Okoro, the Catholic Bishop of Abakaliki, and Rev. Fr. Abraham Nwali, the State CAN Chairman.

“At the end of the meeting, we agreed that there should be no further war of words among the leaders.

“We all agreed to work for peace and security in the state; and we enjoin their supporters to cease fire and to do or say nothing that will endanger this peace process initiated by the Founding Fathers.”