Harry Archie
The Executive Director of Weekenders Media Commercial Limited, publishers of Weekenders Magazine, Princess Joy Omagha Idam, has called on the Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, to order the immediate and unconditional release of the remaining Amasiri indigenes still in detention following the crisis in the community.
In a statement, Idam commended the Ebonyi State Government for the earlier release of some detainees, describing the move as a positive step towards restoring hope and confidence among the people.
She, however, said true justice and reconciliation could only be achieved when all innocent persons still in custody are released.
According to her, every Nigerian has the constitutional right to liberty, fair hearing and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty by a competent court of law.
She urged Governor Nwifuru to demonstrate his commitment to justice, fairness and compassionate leadership by ensuring that no innocent Amasiri indigene remains behind bars.
Idam said the continued detention of the remaining detainees has caused emotional, psychological and economic hardship for many families, with breadwinners separated from their homes, children left without adequate care and elderly parents living in uncertainty over the fate of their loved ones.
She also warned that the prolonged detention could undermine ongoing peace and reconciliation efforts in Amasiri, stressing that lasting peace can only be achieved through justice, fairness and respect for human rights.
The Weekenders Magazine executive director called on traditional rulers, political leaders, religious bodies, security agencies, youth groups and other stakeholders to embrace dialogue and lawful means of resolving disputes in the interest of lasting peace in Ebonyi State.
Expressing confidence in Governor Nwifuru’s leadership, Idam appealed to him to facilitate the unconditional release of the remaining detainees, saying such a decision would promote justice, strengthen public trust and support lasting peace in Amasiri and across Ebonyi State.
She reaffirmed the commitment of Weekenders Magazine to promoting justice, accountability, peaceful coexistence, good governance, the rule of law and the protection of fundamental human rights.
