An Anambra State-born Human rights lawyer and lead counsel of indigenous people of biafara ipob, Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has called on Enugu State Governor, Dr Peter Mbah, to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation into the recent political violence in the state that reportedly claimed the life of Christopher Nworie, a native of Affa in Udi Local Government Area.
Ejiofor, who expressed concern over the incident, urged the state government to ensure that those responsible for the attack are identified and brought to justice, warning that rising political intolerance ahead of the 2027 general elections could threaten the peace and security of the South-East.
In a statement titled “Wednesday Musings: Avoidable Death, Inescapable Questions—Can Enugu Halt the Descent into Political Violence Before 2027?” and dated October 14, 2026, the lawyer described the reported lost of life as a grave concern and called for urgent measures to prevent further politically motivated violence.
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He maintained that no political ambition or electoral contest was worth the loss of human life, stressing that political disagreements should be resolved through democratic engagement rather than violence.
Ejiofor who holds traditional title of Dunu-Ezeugosinachi.expressed particular concern that political hostility was emerging among people from the same ethnic community, warning that such developments could undermine social cohesion and peaceful political participation if not urgently addressed.
He said the incident was especially troubling as political activities gathered momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, adding that political tolerance and respect for opposing views were essential to sustaining democracy.
The lawyer also cited reports of the suspension of a traditional ruler in Nsukka, allegedly following his reception of a candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in his domain, as another development raising concerns about the freedom of political engagement in the state.
According to him, the reported incident, alongside the recent violence, highlights the need for political leaders and stakeholders to demonstrate greater restraint and respect for democratic principles.
Ejiofor further expressed concern that ordinary citizens, particularly vulnerable and economically disadvantaged people, often suffer the consequences of political confrontations instigated by those pursuing political interests.
He noted that people who become victims of political violence are frequently ordinary supporters and community members whose lives and livelihoods are disrupted by conflicts they may have little control over.
Reacting to Governor Mbah’s broadcast directing an investigation into the clash involving rival political groups, Ejiofor acknowledged the governor’s commitment to investigating the incident but called for concrete action beyond appeals for calm.
He urged the government to ensure that the investigation was impartial, comprehensive and transparent, with its findings made public and anyone found culpable prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The lawyer stressed that a government’s response to political violence should go beyond public statements to include credible investigations, accountability and measures to prevent similar incidents.
He said the reported lost of life should serve as a warning to political actors and security agencies about the need to address early signs of intolerance before they escalate into more serious violence.
Ejiofor, who described Enugu as one of the relatively peaceful states in the South-East, acknowledged the developmental efforts of the Mbah administration but maintained that protecting lives and property remained a fundamental responsibility of government.
He warned that political violence could undermine public confidence, damage the state’s reputation and distract from its development priorities if decisive steps were not taken to address it.
The lawyer therefore appealed to political parties, their supporters and other stakeholders to exercise restraint, respect opposing political views and refrain from actions capable of provoking violence.
He also called for appropriate support for Nworie’s bereaved family, including compensation and other forms of assistance, where legally and appropriately established, to help address the consequences of the reported loss.
According to him, while no financial compensation can replace a deceased family member, justice and accountability are necessary to help the bereaved obtain redress and prevent similar tragedies.
Ejiofor emphasised that the approach to the 2027 elections must be guided by peace, tolerance and respect for human life, urging political leaders to ensure that electoral competition does not become a source of insecurity in the state.
He called for an immediate end to hostilities and renewed commitment to peaceful political participation across Enugu State and the wider South-East.
“Democracy must never become a battlefield where the poor provide the corpses and the powerful inherit the spoils,” he said.
