By Gabriel Ameh
ABAKALIKI – The Executive Director of Weekenders Media Commercial Limited, publishers of Weekenders Magazine, Princess Joy Omagha Idam, has appealed to Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, to facilitate the immediate and unconditional release of the remaining Amasiri indigenes still in detention following the crisis that affected the community.
Idam commended the Ebonyi State Government for the earlier release of some detainees, describing the decision as a positive step toward restoring hope and rebuilding public confidence.
She, however, stressed that the pursuit of justice and lasting reconciliation would remain incomplete as long as innocent citizens continued to be held in detention.
According to her, every Nigerian is guaranteed the constitutional rights to personal liberty, fair hearing and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
She urged Governor Nwifuru to further demonstrate his commitment to justice, fairness and compassionate leadership by ensuring that no innocent Amasiri indigene remains behind bars.
Idam noted that the continued detention of the remaining suspects has placed severe emotional, psychological and economic burdens on their families, with many households losing their primary sources of income while children and elderly parents continue to suffer the consequences.
She also warned that prolonged detention could undermine ongoing peace-building and reconciliation efforts within the Amasiri community.
According to her, sustainable peace can only be achieved where justice, equity and respect for fundamental human rights are upheld.
The media executive called on traditional rulers, political leaders, religious institutions, security agencies, youth groups and other stakeholders to embrace dialogue, reconciliation and lawful conflict resolution mechanisms in the interest of lasting peace in Ebonyi State.
Expressing confidence in Governor Nwifuru’s leadership, Idam said she believes the governor remains committed to protecting the rights and welfare of every Ebonyi citizen, irrespective of political affiliation, community or social status.
She appealed to the governor to seize the opportunity to further demonstrate statesmanship by facilitating the unconditional release of the remaining detainees, describing such a decision as a significant step toward justice, mercy, reconciliation and enduring peace.
Idam reaffirmed the commitment of Weekenders Magazine to promoting justice, accountability, peaceful coexistence, good governance, respect for the rule of law and the protection of fundamental human rights, noting that sustainable development can only thrive in an environment where justice prevails and citizens’ rights are respected.
