Ebonyi Assembly Prohibits Spiritual Cleansing Church Crusades

The Ebonyi State House of Assembly recently took a significant legislative step by passing a motion to ban all forms of spiritual crusades aimed at community cleansing and the identification of alleged witches and wizards by self-proclaimed prophets of God.

This decision, reached during a pivotal plenary session at the Assembly’s complex, underscores the Assembly’s commitment to safeguarding community harmony and public order.

According to a comprehensive statement issued by Sylvester Egede, the Assembly’s Public Relations Officer, and disseminated to journalists, the deliberations were prompted by urgent public concerns. The motion was catalyzed by reports detailing disturbances to community peace and the disruption of public activities resulting from a Christian crusade orchestrated by Prophet Ubadimma in the Izzi Council Area.

The statement outlined disturbing incidents, including the wanton destruction of property belonging to Chief John Ekpono and his family in Aghara-Oza village, Ndiebor Ezza Inyimagu in Izzi LGA. Allegedly, these acts were incited by accusations leveled by Prophet Ubadimma and his followers. They accused Chief Ekpono and his wives of using supernatural powers to bind the destinies of the community’s youth, thereby thwarting their progress.

The motion, sponsored by Hon. Godwin Abiri, who represents the Izzi West state constituency, emphasized the timely intervention of Izzi Council chairman, Stephen Nwankpa, to quell the escalating tension. It condemned such activities as potential catalysts for unrest, posing a threat to the peace painstakingly cultivated under the administration of Governor Francis Nwifuru.

During deliberations, Hon. Abiri highlighted the need for stringent measures against unapproved church programs that operate without clearance from community leadership and security agencies. He stressed the urgency of preventing future occurrences or the resort to vigilante justice by aggrieved youths, which could destabilize Ebonyi communities.

Supporting the motion, Hon. Kingsley Ikoro, Leader of the House and representative of Afikpo North West, condemned the destruction of property, especially amidst economic challenges that make rebuilding prohibitive. He called for the immediate apprehension of those responsible, advocating for justice to serve as a deterrent.

Further echoing these sentiments were Hon. Chinyere Nwogbaga of Ebonyi North East and Hon. Chikezie Nwankwo of Ohaozara East, who decried the moral degradation stemming from such acts. They emphasized the importance of upholding societal values and the need for accountability for the damages inflicted.

In a unanimous decision, Speaker Moses Ije-Odunwa facilitated a vote among members, culminating in the adoption of the motion. This legislative action marks a pivotal moment in Ebonyi State’s governance, reinforcing its commitment to maintaining peace, order, and communal harmony.