New Year: Gov Nwifuru grants posthumous pardon to legendary Nwiboko Obodo, others

Over four decades after execution, the old Abakaliki historical legend, Nwiboko Obodo has received posthumous pardon from Governor Francis Nwifuru.

 

The pardon for Obodo and other four late indigenes of the state who were convicted of one crime or the other during their life time was announced by Nwifuru during a new year broadcast on Thursday.

 

They include Edigbo Agu, Akponwe Ogalegu, Ugadu Ofim and Nwangbo Idoko.

 

Also granted Pardon by the Governor are three other living convicts: Ifeanyi Nwamini, Hyacinth Nwigwe and Eze Ekene.

 

Although the broadcast did not detail the crimes of the beneficiaries, historical account has it that the late Nwiboko Obodo was the leader of the secret “Odozi Obodo” (Peacemakers) cult in the Abakaliki region of Nigeria during the 1950s.

 

He was said to have been responsible for the murder of over 100 persons between 1954 and 1958 through his cult. His victims were also said to have been majorly comprised of people who disobeyed his orders, could not pay arbitrary fines, or campaigned against him politically.

 

The late Nwiboko Obodo was further accused of extreme intimidation and use of cult threats and violence to confiscate people’s property, control 14 villages in the area, enforcing arbitrary rule and punishments, including death.

He was consequently arrested, tried, and subsequently executed by hanging for multiple counts of murder in 1959 by the then authorities.

 

The Governor announced: “In exercise of the powers conferred upon me by Section 212 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), I hereby grant pardon to the following persons: HRH Eze Nwiboko Obodo Onyike (posthumous), Edigbo Agu (posthumous), Akponwe Ogalegu (posthumous), Ugadu Ofim (posthumous), Nwangbo Idoko (posthumous), Ifeanyi Nwamini, Hyacinth Nwigwe and Eze Ekene.

 

“This decision was taken after careful consideration, guided by law, conscience, and the broader interest of peace and reconciliation in our State”.

 

The Governor emphasized that the pardon for the posthumous beneficiaries was meant to clear their names, restore dignity to their memory, and bring peace to their families and communities while for those still living, it was extended with the expectation of renewed responsibility, adding: “Mercy does not excuse wrongdoing, but it opens the door to reform, reintegration, and a better path forward”.

 

Governor Nwifuru who took advantage of the broadcast to peep into his scorecard in the year 2025 and his administration’s plans for the new year, restated his unrelenting commitment to vigorously pursuing the full actualisation of the whole content of the People’s Charter of Needs Agenda of his administration.

 

He noted that the 2026 state budget of ₦884.8 billion is a deliberate fiscal policy to take the state’s economy to greater heights through all sectors advancement, stating that his administration’s achievements in the capital budget sector has continued to enhance education, health, security, human capital development, industrialisation and other key areas that guarantee a secured future for the state.

 

“The budget places strong emphasis on agriculture and economic empowerment.

 

“Resources have been allocated to support farmers, improve food production, and expand programmes that create jobs and income, especially for youths and women” he said.

 

The Governor reiterated that the state would conduct its local government election in the new year, stressing that there shall be no room for imposition of candidates across the state, and urged political parties to conduct themselves with restraint.

 

As an added foundation for a versatile and active economy for the state, Governor Nwifuru announced that the State’s procured first batch of three aircrafts would be landing this January while the state has made budgetary provision for the establishment of a brand new cement factory.

 

The factory according to him would support industrial development, create direct and indirect employment for the people, and contribute significantly to the Internally Generated Revenue of the State, adding that It would also support construction activities and reduce the cost of building materials in the long run.

 

Nwifuru appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his numerous assistance to Ebonyi state and the positive impact of his policies in the economy of the nation in general.

 

“I wish to express my appreciation to Mr. President and the Federal Government of Nigeria for their support to Ebonyi State and for policies that strengthen cooperation between the Federal Government and the States.

 

“This partnership remains important to our development and national unity”, he said.

 

Governor Nwifuru who envisaged a better Ebonyi state in 2026 said Ebonyi so far has been kept the safest state in the south east through his administrations strategic policies.

 

He appreciated the elders of the state, traditional institutions, the political class, security agencies, women and youths for their support and commitment to the common good of the state and urged all Ebonyians to keep the faith, believe in the vision of a united, prosperous and peaceful state in particular and the nation in general.

 

He emphasized: “Beyond sustaining what we have started, the year 2026 will also mark the beginning of new strategic steps that will redefine our economic direction.

 

“Ndi Ebonyi, as we begin a new year, let us learn to forgive, to heal old wounds, and to build a future where justice is firm, but humanity is never forgotten.

 

“No government, no matter how committed, can build a State alone.

 

“Progress is strongest when government and citizens walk in the same direction, each playing their part with sincerity and discipline.

 

“I therefore call on all Ebonyians – young and old, men and women, those at home and those in the diaspora to remain united.

 

“Our differences in opinions, communities, or political beliefs must never weaken our shared identity as one people with a common future.”