…reiterates call for proactive approach in management of communal crisis
Engr. Chris Emeka Azubogu* has sued for peace and understanding between Aguleri and Umueri communities in Anambra East LGA of Anambra State.
The Lawmaker representing Nnewi North/Nnewi South/Ekwusigo Federal Constituency, who has been on statewide engagement on the ‘future of Anambra state development’, made his opinion on Aguleri/Umueri communal unrest known after his engagement in Ihiala earlier today and reported by his office.
While emphasizing that destruction of lives and properties as a result of land disputes do not define our humanity, the Federal lawmaker said:
“We are a republican people by nature who resolve disputes through community meetings; not war. Killings and destruction of properties reduces our humanity and going forward, we should shun both as means of conflict resolution” he said.
Azubogu observed that further escalation of the crisis will disrupt the farming seasons and 2021 economic projections of the state, which will have dire consequences.
“No part of our state should be allowed to be engulfed in avoidable strife at a time we should be evolving strategies to keep our post COVID-19 economy afloat, that will be too unfortunate. Incidentally, we are about to enter farming season and crisis like this can only be an invitation to hunger” he said.
The lawmaker worried by the growing communal crisis in the state within the last six months which saw various communities like; Odekpe and Allah N’ Onugwa communities in Anambra West LGA; Urum and Achalla in Awka North LGA; Umumbo/Omor in Ayamelum LGA and now Aguleri/Umueri in Anambra East LGA of the state involved in communal clashes that left horrendous destruction in its trail.
Concluding, Azubogu advised the state government to evolve and adopt a proactive approach that will nip such crisis in the bud instead of resorting to reactive measures after the damage are done. His words:
“I am so worried that within the space of six months, we have recorded so many communities in Anambra State enmeshed in a bloody crisis resulting from land dispute. And today, we are talking about disquiet in two other communities in Anambra East LGA due to same land dispute. It is sad that all the communities involved are mostly food baskets which roles in the food supply chain of the state cannot be overemphasized” Azubogu bemoaned.
Azubogu Media Office
16th January, 2021
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