The Ezza Ezekuna Development Association (EEDA), a newly inaugurated socio-cultural organisation, has declared its support for Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru and reaffirmed its commitment to the existing zoning arrangement in Ebonyi State.
The group also insisted that the governorship position should remain in the Ebonyi North senatorial zone until 2031, while dismissing what it described as campaigns aimed at undermining the state’s zoning structure.
Speaking during a press briefing in Abakaliki on Thursday, the National President of EEDA, Kingsley Akam, said the association was created to promote unity, development, and the collective interests of the Ezza people across the state and beyond.
He noted that the organisation, which was registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission in April 2024, would serve as a central platform for socio-cultural, economic, and political engagement among Ezza communities.
Akam stressed that the group was not formed to pursue political ambitions but to strengthen unity, encourage responsible citizenship, and foster constructive engagement with government and other stakeholders.
According to him, the EEDA will serve as the authentic voice of the Ezza people on issues affecting their welfare and development.
The association commended Governor Nwifuru for what it described as significant progress in peacebuilding, infrastructure delivery, youth empowerment, education, and human capital development across Ebonyi State.
“We acknowledge, with genuine appreciation, the efforts of the administration of His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, in promoting peace, expanding opportunities for citizens and advancing developmental initiatives across Ebonyi State,” Akam said.
He reaffirmed the group’s readiness to partner with the state government in sustaining peace and development initiatives.
On political succession, EEDA reiterated its support for the zoning arrangement in the state, insisting that fairness, equity, and stability remain essential to governance.
The group maintained that the governorship seat should remain in Ebonyi North until 2031 and distanced itself from any calls seeking to alter the arrangement.
It also rejected a recent communiqué attributed to the “Umuekumenyi Leaders’ Council,” describing the group as unrecognised and lacking authority to speak for the Ezza or Umuekumenyi communities.
Akam said the organisation had no legal standing and urged the public to disregard its statements.
“We declare that the so-called Umuekumenyi Leaders’ Council is an illegal and unrecognised body. It speaks neither for Ezza Ezekuna nor for the wider Umuekumenyi constituency,” he stated.
The EEDA further announced what it called an “irrevocable endorsement” of Governor Nwifuru for a second term, citing his administration’s achievements in governance and inclusive development.
It urged sons and daughters of Ezza Ezekuna to remain united, reject misinformation, and work collectively toward community advancement.
The group also pledged collaboration with traditional institutions, political leaders, the private sector, academia, youth organisations, and government agencies to promote sustainable development in Ebonyi State and Nigeria at large.
