By Princess Joy Omagha Idam
Princess Joy Omagha Idam, publisher of Weekenders Magazine Online, has publicly responded to David Umahi, accusing the former Ebonyi State governor of misrepresenting facts surrounding the tensions in parts of Ebonyi State.
In an open letter, Idam expressed disappointment over the Senator’s recent comments on the situation involving Amasiri community, arguing that his narrative does not reflect the historical realities of the conflict.
According to her, Amasiri and Amangwu-Edda have not had longstanding disputes.
She maintained that past tensions in the area primarily involved Amasiri, Oso, and Okporo Ujo, warning that “twisting the narrative does not bring peace; it only deepens wounds.”
Idam questioned what she described as inconsistencies in security responses to previous communal clashes in Ebonyi State, including conflicts involving Izzi and Effium, as well as Izzi and Ikwo communities. She asked why similar levels of military deployment and restrictions were not implemented during those crises.
She further appealed to Senator Umahi to adopt what she described as a fatherly and impartial stance, emphasizing that leadership should be measured by fairness and equal protection under the law.
Addressing claims surrounding the Army Training Depot located in Amasiri, Idam insisted that the land hosting the facility is not disputed territory. She stated that the land was mapped out during the administration of former Governor Martin Elechi, not during Umahi’s tenure, and urged the Senator to “crosscheck the facts.”
She also alleged that compensation for economic trees on the land has yet to be paid to members of the Amasiri community.
Beyond land concerns, Idam raised allegations of abductions and missing persons along a federal highway in Oso, claiming that multiple petitions had been submitted to the Ebonyi State Government without resolution.
“The time for accountability, transparency, and genuine reconciliation is now,” she stated, adding that history would remember those who stood for justice.
As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official response from Senator Umahi to the specific claims raised in the letter.
The situation in the affected communities remains sensitive, with stakeholders calling for calm, dialogue, and impartial investigation into the issues raised.
