Must the blood of Christopher Nworie be the price of Political tolerance in Enugu?
Now that the death of one of the victims of last weekend’s political violence in Enugu State – Nworie Christopher, a native of Affa in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State, has been officially confirmed in Ala-Igbo, can Governor Peter Mbah take the bull by the horns before this avoidable tragedy becomes a foretaste of greater calamities?
As we continue to sound the alarm over the dangerous trend emerging from the political activities preparatory to the 2027 general elections, we have consistently emphasised, in unequivocal terms, that no election or political office is worth the life of a single Nigerian. It is even more disturbing that this political intolerance and violence are rearing their ugly heads in Ala-Igbo, this time in Enugu, the headquarters of the old Eastern Region of Nigeria.
It is no longer a contest between Yoruba political actors and Hausa political supporters on one side and Igbo political supporters on the other; it is Igbo against Igbo. This speaks to the alarming depth of political hatred taking root in the psyche of our people, a dangerous development that could spell doom if not immediately nipped in the bud. As the elders say, when brothers begin to draw their swords against one another, the roof of the family is already on fire.
Only within the same week, reports emerged that a traditional ruler in Nsukka was suspended, principally because he received the candidate of the NDC in his domain. As at the time of this publication, he remains under suspension. This, too, underscores the troubling level of political intolerance we are witnessing in Ala-Igbo as the 2027 electioneering season approaches.
I am particularly alarmed that it is the defenceless, vulnerable and poverty-stricken Nigerians who repeatedly bear the brunt of these politically motivated attacks and incitements. Those who instigate political hostilities rarely pay the ultimate price; it is often the hungry and helpless who are made to bleed for ambitions that are not their own.
I listened to Governor Peter Mbah’s broadcast directing an investigation into the attack involving rival political parties. I expected more than the familiar rhetoric. I did not hear an unequivocal condemnation of the violence; what I took away was an appeal for calm and tolerance, alongside a promise of a full investigation. Now that it has been officially confirmed that one of the victims of the attack on the NDC, Nwolle Christopher, eventually succumbed to gunshot injuries yesterday, can we be assured of a thorough, impartial investigation, with the findings made public and the perpetrators brought to justice through an open and transparent trial? A promise of investigation cannot restore a life; only credible action can prevent another family from suffering the same irreparable loss.
I have always regarded Enugu State as one of the peaceful states in the South-East, a perception many of us have associated with Governor Peter Mbah’s developmental strides. Indeed, many observers of his administration’s projects believe that his record provides substantial grounds for public assessment as he approaches the question of a second term. However, those who resort to violence under the guise of political intolerance do his administration and the state no favours. Whatever the political ambitions of the moment, no developmental achievement should be allowed to overshadow the fundamental duty of government to protect human life.
I therefore appeal for an immediate cessation of hostilities, restraint and an unequivocal commitment to political tolerance. Democracy must never become a battlefield where the poor provide the corpses and the powerful inherit the spoils.
Today, Nworie Christopher’s dependants are condemned to endure the unbearable agony of losing their breadwinner. A home that once depended on his presence must now confront an absence no compensation can truly erase. There must be compensation; there must be reparation; justice must take its full course; and every necessary measure must be taken to ensure that this dastardly act is never repeated. For, as the proverb reminds us, the tears of the bereaved cannot bring back the dead, but justice can prevent another household from being plunged into mourning.
Let there be peace in Ala-Igbo.
Signed:
Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, Esq. (KSC)
Dunu-Ezeugosinachi
October 14, 2026