Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chibudom Nwuche, has called on the Federal Government to establish an amnesty programme for repentant cultists and militant youths in the Orashi area of Rivers State who are willing to surrender their arms and embrace peaceful and productive lives.
Nwuche, who is also the Chairman of the Governing Board of the South-South Development Commission, said the proposed intervention should include comprehensive rehabilitation, reorientation and reintegration programmes to help former combatants and cult members return to society as productive citizens.
The former deputy speaker made the call on Tuesday through his representative, Chief Kingdom Ajugo, at the commencement of the 2026 Upata Folklore, Ele, held at Ula Upata in Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The Orashi region comprises Ahoada East, Ahoada West, Abua/Odual and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Areas.
Nwuche expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation in Ahoada and other parts of the Orashi region, saying persistent killings, cult-related violence and other criminal activities had continued to threaten the lives and livelihoods of residents.
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He recalled the killing of the then Divisional Police Officer, DPO, late CSP Bako Amgbashim, whom he described as a dedicated, intelligent and gallant police officer.
According to him, several appeals had previously been made to the Rivers State Government to introduce an amnesty programme for repentant youths in the area, but no action had been taken.
Nwuche therefore urged the Federal Government, particularly the Office of the National Security Adviser, ONSA, headed by Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, to consider a structured amnesty programme for repentant cultists and violent youths willing to abandon criminality.
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He stressed that the programme should not be limited to the collection of weapons, but should provide beneficiaries with skills, counselling, education and other forms of support necessary for their successful reintegration into society.
He also appealed directly to youths still involved in cultism, kidnapping, robbery and other criminal activities to abandon violence and embrace legitimate means of livelihood.
“Those who are still carrying guns and killing our people indiscriminately should stop and accept amnesty and be ready to be reintegrated into society,” he said.
Nwuche said the predominantly farming and trading Ekpeye people deserved an environment where they could conduct their businesses without fear, harassment or molestation.
He lamented that hundreds of Ekpeye people had reportedly lost their lives to cultism and related violence over the years, insisting that the situation could no longer be allowed to continue.
He called for greater collaboration among traditional rulers, community leaders, government authorities and residents to restore peace and security across the region.
Nwuche maintained that Ekpeye land must not be allowed to become a safe haven for criminals, urging community stakeholders to work collectively to protect lives and property.
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Nwuche Urges Ekpeye Monarchs to Close Ranks
The former deputy speaker also appealed to Ekpeye traditional rulers to provide exemplary leadership and work together to advance the interests of their people.
He urged the people of Upata to support their monarch, Eze (Dr.) Felix E. Otuwarikpo, Eze Igbu Upata III, while preserving the cultural heritage and traditions of the kingdom.
Nwuche described the annual Upata Folklore as an important cultural platform for promoting unity, peace, hospitality and the preservation of the identity of the Ekpeye people.
Earlier, the monarch declared the 2026 celebration open, describing the event as an enduring tradition through which the people celebrate their culture and heritage following the harvest season.
2027: Nwuche Tells Ekpeye to Vote Based on Development
On politics, Nwuche urged the people of Ekpeye to carefully consider the records of politicians seeking their votes ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He encouraged the electorate to support candidates who, in their view, had demonstrated commitment to the development of the area.
“We have seen and known all those seeking our votes, and I will therefore urge you not to waste your votes but to support those who have shown attention and developed Ekpeye land,” he said.
Nwuche also expressed support for President Bola Tinubu’s second-term bid and the political platform associated with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike.
He said that, at the appropriate time, he would embark on a tour of Ekpeye and the wider Orashi region to mobilise support for the political coalition associated with Wike.
He also recalled projects executed during Wike’s tenure as governor of Rivers State, saying they remained significant to the development of Ekpeye land.
The 2026 Upata Folklore attracted traditional rulers, chiefs, community leaders, women and youth groups, students and representatives of Ahoada East and Ahoada West local governments.
The celebration featured colourful cultural displays, traditional dances, goodwill messages and the presentation of gifts to the monarch, chiefs and other participants.
