By Brenda Chidinma Imo-Eze
The Speaker of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Moses Odunwa, representing Ikwo South State Constituency, has urged his constituents to embrace peace and desist from any act capable of disrupting harmony in the area.
Odunwa made the call on Tuesday, December 23, while celebrating Christmas with his constituents at Igborji Primary School in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
During the event, the Speaker distributed bags of rice, wrappers, and cash gifts to residents as part of efforts to cushion the effects of the festive season and demonstrate goodwill.
He commended the leadership style of Governor Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, describing him as a peace-loving leader whose priority remains the unity of the state.
“His interest is peace, peace and peace. I congratulate everyone present today. One thing is to invite, another is to honour the invitation. I thank my people and assure you that we will continue to enjoy more dividends of democracy. However, peace remains key in every community,” Odunwa said.
Delivering his New Year message, the Speaker urged residents to sustain peace throughout 2026, advising them to report disputes to community elders rather than resort to violence.
“Tell any agent of trouble in your neighbourhood that his time is over. We need peace everywhere, irrespective of provocation. If there is any issue, let the elders know. Let peace reign,” he added.
Odunwa also disclosed that the All Progressives Congress (APC) would be actively involved in local government elections next year, stressing that Ikwo remains a stronghold of the party.
“As far as Ikwo is concerned, Ikwo is APC and APC is Ikwo. In the next two weeks, we will know who becomes the council chairman,” he stated.
Some beneficiaries, including Rose Ekebe and Theresa Nworie, expressed gratitude to the Speaker for the gesture, describing it as unprecedented in the area.
Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion and former council chairman, Chief Celestine Igberi, praised Odunwa for his magnanimity, noting that he has attracted several projects to the constituency. He urged residents to reciprocate the gesture by remaining law-abiding.
In an interview with journalists, the Chairman of Ikwo Local Government Area, Barr. Sunday Nwankwo, appreciated Governor Nwifuru for fostering peace across the state and urged constituents to conduct themselves responsibly during the festive season.
The event attracted prominent sons and daughters of the area, including Ambassador Frank Nchita Ogbuewu, President of Ikwo Noyo Consultative Youths Forum, Dr. Oyechi Nwankwo, development centre coordinators, traditional rulers, and other dignitaries.