The lingering media war between the Anambra-born oil magnate, Prince Arthur Eze, Governor Willie Obiano and Senator Chris Ngige could end in no distant time following intervention of some state elders and stakeholders across Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and professional associates.
The bodies assembled by Anambra State Elders and Stakeholders Forum have constituted a 13-man peace committee charged with resolving the impasse within 30 days, and to also broker peace between the governor and the 13 traditional rulers of the state suspended for one year.
The committee has Hon. Justice G.U Ononiba, a former Chief Judge of the state as chairman while a former Vice Chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Prof. Pita Ejiofo is secretary.
Other committee members are; former Chief Judges of Anambra, Justice Paul Obidigwe and Prof. Peter Umeadi; Rev. Dr. Michael Obierika, County Director, Kristian Missionaries of Afrika; Rev. Dr. Ndubuisi John, Chairman (CAN) Anambra state; Tpl Joachin Ulasi, chairman (APBN) Anambra state; Ichie Damian Okeke-Ogene, chairman Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo Anambra state; and Chief Alex Onukwue, National President (ASATU).
Blueprint learnt that they were mandated among other things to identify the immediate and remote causes of the misunderstanding and cold war between Governor Willie Obiano and Prince Arthur Eze on one hand and Senator Chris Ngige on the other hand.
In a meeting held by the forum at Nimo in Njikoka local government area of Anambra state, first civilian governor of Anambra state, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife considered the rift between the governor of the state and Prince Arthur Eze as an avoidable distraction capable of hitting up the polity in the state and as well as jeopardising the Igbo presidency.
Addressing newsmen at the end of the meeting, the National President, Anambra State Elders and Stakeholders Forum and retired Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Anthony I. Iguh, said the elders and stakeholders would not keep quiet while eminent sons of the State engage themselves in war of words and media battle which rub-off on the reputation and prestige of Anambra state.
