At the opening of the 2026 Upata Folklore festival on Tuesday in Ula Upata, Ahoada East, former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the South‑South Development Commission, Chibudom Nwuche, called on the Federal Government to grant amnesty to repentant cultists and militant youths in the Orashi area of Rivers State.
Speaking through his representative, Chief Kingdom Ajugo, Nwuche urged the Office of the National Security Adviser, headed by Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, to launch a programme that would allow armed youths to lay down their weapons and be rehabilitated, re‑oriented and reintegrated into society. He highlighted the region’s escalating violence, citing the killing of the late Divisional Police Officer, CSP Bako Amgbashim, as a stark reminder of the cost of unchecked criminality.
“Those who are still carrying guns and killing our people indiscriminately should stop and accept amnesty and be ready to be reintegrated into society,” Nwuche said. He warned that the predominantly farming and trading Ekpeye people should be able to conduct their businesses without fear, noting that hundreds of community members have lost their lives to cultism and related violence over the years.
In addition to the amnesty plea, Nwuche appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders and the wider public to collaborate in restoring peace to Ekpeye land. He urged support for the Upata monarch, Eze (Dr.) Felix E. Otuwarikpo, and praised the folklore festival as a platform for unity, culture and hospitality.
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, the former deputy speaker urged Ekpeye voters to exercise their ballots wisely, favouring politicians who have demonstrated commitment to the area’s development. He expressed support for President Bola Tinubu’s second‑term bid and the political coalition led by former Rivers State governor Nyesom Wike, citing projects from Wike’s tenure that remain vital to Ekpeye land.
The event drew traditional rulers, chiefs, community leaders, women and youth groups, students and representatives from Ahoada East and Ahoada West local governments. Cultural displays, traditional dances and goodwill messages were featured, and gifts were presented to the monarch, chiefs and participants.
<small>Source: Vanguard News — read the original story there.</small>
