By Nkechinyere Ewa, Abakaliki
The Ebonyi State House of Assembly has restored Amasiri Development Centre as one of the recognised Development Centres in the state .
This followed Governor Francis Nwifuru’s decision to withhold assent to the Ebonyi State Local Government Councils and Development Centres (Amendment) Bill, 2026.
The Assembly had earlier delisted the development centre following the communal clash between the Amasiri community in Afikpo Local Government Area and the Okporojo community in Edda Local Government Area.
The resolution to restore the development centre was reached during Tuesday’s plenary at the Legislative Complex, Nkaliki Road, Abakaliki, presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Moses Ije Odunwa.
At the sitting, the Speaker Moses Odunwa read a communication from Governor Nwifuru informing the House of his decision to decline assent to the amendment bill and return it for further legislative consideration.
In the letter, the governor commended the Assembly for its cooperation with the Executive and explained that after extensive consultations with founding fathers, members of the Elders’ Council, traditional rulers and stakeholders from the affected communities, he was satisfied that significant progress had been made in the reconciliation process between the Amasiri and Edda communities.
According to the governor, the acceptance by Edda elders of a remorseful letter presented by Amasiri elders showed that the circumstances that informed the proposed amendment had substantially changed. He stressed that, in the interest of peace, reconciliation and harmonious coexistence, assenting to the bill would no longer serve the best interest of the state.
Governor Nwifuru therefore urged the House to take appropriate legislative action, including restoring Amasiri Development Centre, while reaffirming his administration’s commitment to promoting peace, good governance and sustainable development across the state.
The House subsequently adopted the governor’s communication as a working document following a motion moved by the Leader of the House, Hon. Kingsley Ikoro, and seconded by the member representing Ikwo North State Constituency, Hon. Ifeanyi Nwakpu.
Hon. Ikoro described the governor’s decision as a courageous step towards lasting peace, saying Amasiri and Edda share a common history and should continue to live together peacefully. He appealed to members, especially the representative of Edda State Constituency, to support the restoration of the development centre.
The motion was seconded by the member representing Ivo State Constituency, Hon. Onyebuchi Ogbadu.
In his ruling, Speaker Odunwa said the governor’s communication deserved favourable consideration because it was aimed at fostering peace and restoring harmony between the affected communities. He declared that with the restoration of Amasiri Development Centre, Afikpo Local Government Area would retain its five recognised development centres.