Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki
The Ebonyi State House of Assembly has passed a bill disbanding and delisting Amasiri Development Centre as one of the recognised development centres in the state.
The bill, sponsored by the State Executive Council following the killing of five indigenes of Idima Okporojo Village in Edda Local Government Area, was passed into law during plenary at the Assembly Complex along Nkaliki Road, Abakaliki.
With the enactment of the law, the number of development centres in Ebonyi State has been reduced from 64 to 63, while Afikpo North Local Government Area now has four development centres instead of five.
The law is expected to take effect from Tuesday, 3rd February 2026.
Governor Francis Nwifuru had earlier explained during a press conference that the delisting of Amasiri Development Centre would not affect staff of the centre, as they are local government employees who would be reassigned accordingly.
Contributing to the debate during plenary, some lawmakers described the attack that led to the bill as barbaric, senseless, regrettable, and unfortunate, while commending the governor for the decisive steps taken to restore peace and ensure public safety in the area.
The lawmakers also pledged their support for the dissolution of the development centre and other facilities in the affected area, while urging security agencies deployed to the communities to remain vigilant and carry out their duties diligently.
Ifeanyi Nwakpu, representing Ikwo North State Constituency, and Hon. Lucas Chukwu, representing Ishielu South State Constituency, maintained that there is no price too high to pay for peace.
They urged the Amasiri people to demonstrate genuine repentance rather than resorting to protests and verbal attacks against the governor.
In his remarks, the Speaker of the House, Moses Odunwa, said the House unanimously supports the decision of the state government to expunge Amasiri Development Centre from the list of recognised development centres, describing the governor’s action as proactive and corrective.
He called on the people of Okporojo and Amasiri communities to remain calm and law-abiding as the state government continues efforts to restore lasting peace in the area.
The House thereafter received and adopted the Local Government reports as presented by the Chairman, House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Goodluck Obinna Mbam.
