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Tag: Francis Nwifuru

  • Ebonyi orders school closure, 20-hour curfew in Amasiri after deadly clash

    Ebonyi orders school closure, 20-hour curfew in Amasiri after deadly clash

    Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has ordered the immediate closure of all schools in Amasiri, Afikpo Local Government Area, and imposed a 20-hour daily curfew on the community following a deadly attack in Okporojo.

    The measures were part of resolutions reached at an emergency meeting of the Ebonyi State Security Council held on Saturday night, convened in response to the violence in Okporojo village, Oso Edda, in Edda Local Government Area.

    At least four people were killed during the incident, which authorities linked to a long-running boundary dispute between Okporojo and neighbouring Amasiri communities. 

    The conflict, which has spanned decades, has led to repeated loss of lives despite interventions by successive administrations.

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    Earlier on Saturday, Governor Nwifuru visited the affected community, where he commiserated with residents and directed security agencies to ensure the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the attack.

    Briefing journalists after the Security Council meeting in Abakaliki, the governor announced a range of security and administrative measures aimed at restoring calm and preventing further violence.

    He disclosed that, on the council’s advice, the state government approved the immediate dethronement of two traditional rulers in the Amasiri clan as part of steps to address the crisis.

    “The letters of their dethronement will be issued to them tomorrow,” he said 

    The governor said council also ordered the dissolution of all community-based leadership structures in Amasiri, including development union executives, village heads, women leaders, youth leaders, peer groups and any other formal or informal organizations operating within the clan. 

    “Government agreed with the council’s directive and dissolved all the Executives of the Development Union, the village heads, women leaders, women groups, youth leaders and youth groups, youth organization, women organization, peer group organization and any other organization in the Amasiri clan,” he said

    Nwifuru said the security council directed that the chairmen of Afikpo, Ivo, Ohaozara and Onicha local government areas should jointly take over the administration and government activities in Amasiri community until further notice.

    The governor said the council directed that all amenities in the town be shutdown effective immediately including all schools, both public and private. 

    Also, the Amasiri Development Centre, a fourth tier of government in the area is to be shutdown. 

    The governor said a bill has been prepared and will be sent to the State House of Assembly to repeal sections of the law that established the Development Centre. 

    “The council also advised the government of Ebonyi state to send an executive bill to the house of assembly for the repeal of the local government and development center law that created Amasiri development center and remove Amasiri development center from the development centers of Ebonyi state. 

    “The government of Ebonyi state agreed on the directive of the council and a bill for a law to repeal the local government and development center law of Ebonyi state of 2015 has been prepared to send to the house of assembly to delete Amasiri Development Center from the Development Centers in Ebonyi state.

    “The council also directed that all government amenities in Amasiri including schools, both private and public should as a matter of urgency close down and all teachers and tutors be posted to other schools and other communities other than Amasiri communities with immediate effects. 

    “The government of Ebonyi state agreed with the directive of the council and have directed the Commissioner for local government and Commissioner for education to immediately implement the directive of the council. 

    “Accordingly, all government and private schools in Amasiri Development Center and in Amasiri clan are hereby closed down and all teachers are to be posted to other schools in other communities. 

    “As from tomorrow morning there will be no school in Amasiri and there will be no development center in Amasiri”, the governor said.

    Nwifuru said the council also resolved to impose a daily curfew on Amasiri community from 2 p.m. to 10 a.m. 

    He said that under the curfew, all markets, shops, businesses, banks, quarries and other commercial activities are to remain shut during the restricted hours. 

    Nwifuru said council further directed security agencies to swing into action to arrest and prosecute those responsible for the killings in Okporojo, and to recover the severed heads of the victims at all costs.”

    He said the measures, though drastic, were necessary to restore law and order and reassure residents of the state government’s commitment to security.

    “These resolutions take immediate effect,” the governor said, warning that the state would not tolerate acts of violence or lawlessness in any part of Ebonyi State.”

  • Nwifuru confirms rescue, reunification of trafficked teenage girls

    Nwifuru confirms rescue, reunification of trafficked teenage girls

    Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has confirmed that teenage girls from the state who were trafficked to Nnewi in Anambra State have been rescued and reunited with their families.

    Governor Nwifuru disclosed this at his Oferekpe country home during the celebration of Oferekpe Day, held at the community playground.

    The governor told Journalists that beyond rescuing and reuniting the girls with their parents, the state government is making arrangements to rehabilitate and empower them to become self-reliant.

    It would be recalled that a viral video circulated on social media showing about 25 teenage girls, aged between 13 and 16, who were trafficked to Anambra State, where they were allegedly involved in prostitution and other illicit activities.

    The brothel where they were kept was later exposed, leading to their rescue.

    Governor Nwifuru assured that his administration would not stand by and watch citizens of the state being trafficked within or outside the country for prostitution or sexual exploitation.

    “All the girls seen in the viral video who were trafficked to Anambra State have been brought back and reunited with their parents. They are currently living with their families, and we are working towards their rehabilitation.

    “We do not want to disclose our next line of action for now, but we are determined to clamp down on child and human trafficking to prevent a repeat of such unfortunate incidents,” he said.

    The governor also disclosed that academic activities have commenced at the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) University, Oferekpe Agbaja, in Izzi Local Government Area, established by his administration.

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    According to him, about 200 students are currently undergoing their BSc programmes, adding that the institution is fully operational.

    “The ICT University is alive. Students have been admitted, and academic activities are ongoing. While addressing my people, I encouraged them to take advantage of the institution.

    “The National Universities Commission (NUC) has granted approval for the smooth take-off of the university, and learning is already in progress,” Nwifuru stated.

    On efforts to curb drug abuse in the state, the governor noted that lack of education has significantly contributed to the menace. He assured that his administration is intensifying enlightenment campaigns to educate citizens on the dangers of drug abuse.

    “We are bringing education closer to our people. Education helps individuals understand the dangers of drug abuse and why it should be avoided. We are committed to reducing drug abuse among our youths to the barest minimum,” he added.

  • Ebonyi increases workers salary

    Ebonyi increases workers salary

    The Ebonyi State Executive Council has approved an additional N20,000 increase in the minimum wage of state workers across all levels.

    Commissioner for Information, Ikeuwa Omebeh in a statement after the meeting on Thursday said the increment is part of Governor Francis Nwifuru’s administration’s efforts to improve the welfare of civil and public servants.

    Mr Omebe said the Council also deliberated and approved the 8 years tenure Policy for Directors and directed the immediate retirement of all Directors who have served eight years.

    He said: “EXCO after an exhaustive deliberation on the matter approved immediate implementation of the policy on affected Permanent Secretaries and Directors.

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    “Inline with the avowed determination of the Governor to better the lots of Ebonyi civil/public servants, EXCO approved a further increment on the current minimum wage of Ebonyi State workers with an additional Twenty Thousand Naira (N20,000) across board”, he added.

    Governor Nwifuru had increased the minimum wage last year to N75,000 following the signing of the new national minimum wage law by the Tinubu Administration.

    Three new Special Assistants (SAs) to the Governor on Housing, Security, and Commerce and Industry were also sworn in during the meeting.

    Governor Nwifuru charged them to be proactive and dedicated in contributing to the state’s development.

  • Workers match in Ebonyi, applaud Nwifuru’s move to revive Nigercem

    Workers match in Ebonyi, applaud Nwifuru’s move to revive Nigercem

    Excitement is building across Ebonyi communities as workers, youth groups, and residents have thrown their weight behind Governor Francis Nwifuru’s plan to reactivate the moribund Nigerian Cement Company (Nigercem), Nkalagu.

    For more than two decades, the once-thriving cement factory, which provided thousands of jobs and drove economic activity in the Southeast, has been in ruins, leaving workers unpaid and surrounding communities deprived of basic amenities.

    Speaking during a solidarity match at the factory premises on Sunday, youth leaders, Okpara Okechukwu Timothy and Joseph, under the banner of Nigercem Childhood Friends (NCF), praised the governor’s industrial vision, describing Nigercem’s revival as key to Ebonyi’s economic transformation.

    “The restoration of this iconic industrial complex will not only boost economic activities but also reduce unemployment and youth restiveness,” the statement read. “We urge the governor to remain resolute—the dreams and livelihoods of countless families depend on it.”

    They further noted that while the South East records one of the highest cement consumption rates in Nigeria, it has remained dependent on supplies from other regions. 

    Nigercem’s revival, they argued, would bridge this gap, lower transportation costs, and enhance infrastructure development.

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    A nurse who worked at the Nigercem estate hospital, Mrs. Jane Odo, recalled the hardships workers have endured since salaries stopped in 2000.

    “We’ve been living like refugees—without pay, water, or electricity,” she said. “We thank the governor for remembering us and plead with him to support the surviving workers.”

    Similarly, the Chairman of the Junior Workers’ Union, Comrade Magnus Ebe, appealed for immediate relief measures while awaiting full reactivation.

    “Governor Nwifuru should take a cue from what Dr. Sam Egwu did, when he resumed paying workers before full operations resumed,” he said.

    Residents believe Nigercem’s revival would curb crime, create massive employment, and position Ebonyi as a hub of cement production in Nigeria.

  • Ebonyi proud to identify with Tinubu – Nwifuru

    Ebonyi proud to identify with Tinubu – Nwifuru

    Ebonyin governor, Francis Nwifuru has declared that people of the state are proud to identify with President Bola Tinubu due to his bold decisions which stand him out as a great leader.

    Nwifuru made the declaration in Abakaliki during a town hall meeting organised by the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris on the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    The governor noted that it is difficult for one to be a great leader without the willpower to take bold decisions.

    “The bold decisions taken by the President has hard implications but Nigerians are currently seeing the benefits.

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    “Tinubu’s presidency is spiritual and though human beings can fight, his God is with him.

    “This is the reason he is succeeding and we are all seeing the successes he is recording,” he said.

    He noted that the President trusts and loves him so much which contributes greatly to the successes recorded in the state’s governance.

    “There is no other way to reciprocate this gesture except to demonstrate that I have the needed strength and capacity to deliver him.

    “When the time comes, we would face those making noise and show them our stuff,” he said.

    Nwifuru said his administration has recorded giant strides in infrastructure, human capital development, health, education among other sectors.

  • Hurricane Nwifuru

    Hurricane Nwifuru

    Governance in Ebonyi State must be on crutches about now, courtesy of a one-month suspension slammed by Governor Francis Nwifuru on 87 cabinet functionaries. Officials affected include 25 commissioners, 22 permanent secretaries, 14 senior special assistants and 24 special assistants.

    The governor, on Monday, 28th July, imposed the sanction that will keep affected functionaries out of government operation for all of a month. A statement by Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Monday Uzor, said they were being suspended for failing to attend an important government function. Governor Nwifuru directed that the officials “proceed on a one-month working suspension without salary for failure to attend an important government function,” the statement read; adding that the governor made clear the affected officers should not sign any official document within the period of their suspension, with the commissioners expected to hand over to their permanent secretaries.

    The statement listed the functionaries affected. According to the spokesman, the governor remained firm in ensuring government officials uphold the highest standards of conduct and dedication in serving Ebonyi people.

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    A natural poser is, what was the important state function so many officials of government failed to attend? The statement didn’t clarify. Subsequent findings, however, showed it had to do with the burial of the mother of a prominent businessman and close associate of the governor, Chief Innocent Elechi Ojiugwo. The entrepreneur hails from the same Izzi clan as Nwifuru and is said to be one of the biggest financiers of his governorship campaign in 2023. According to reports, the burial event was duly logged in the governor’s itinerary, with the suspended functionaries listed among persons to accompany him. But the governor also had an official assignment in Abuja same day and when a delayed flight hindered his timely return, he assigned Deputy Governor Patricia Obila to represent him at the burial, with expectation that government officials would also massively attend.

    Many government officials apparently got hint of the governor not returning in time for the burial ceremony and decided to also stay away. This did not go down well with Nwifuru, who directed that attendance be taken at the event. A media aide, Leo Oketa, in a Facebook post, said the governor, upon his return, directed the suspension of officials not at the burial. “This is not the first time the governor has warned about government officials absenting themselves from government functions. This time, he had to act,” the aide added.

    You would wonder, though, how a private funeral became a state function as to justify culling government in reprisal against attendance defaulters. And what happened in ministries where both the commissioner and permanent secretary are on suspension? If the business of government is unhindered by the suspensions, those officials are superfluous and had no business being engaged in the first place.

  • Our suspension by Ebonyi governor in order, says Commissioner

    Our suspension by Ebonyi governor in order, says Commissioner

    The suspended Commissioner for Special Duties and Focal Person for Ebonyi Indigenes in Diaspora, Mr. Valentine Okike-Uzor, has justified the decision by Governor Francis Nwifuru to suspend 87 Senior government officials, including some State Executive Council members.

    Okike-Uzor explained that the suspension, which affected Commissioners, Senior Special Assistants, Special Assistants, and Permanent Secretaries, was a result of their habitual absence from official government functions. 

    He dismissed reports suggesting that the suspension was due to non-attendance at a birthday party.

     In a statement signed by him and made available to journalists in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, Okike-Uzor described such claims as misleading and mischievous, accusing opposition voices of spreading falsehoods online.

    He said: “Opposition voices have taken to social media to twist the facts and post lies about the official engagement that led to the suspension of some state officials, myself included.

    “Some claimed it was a birthday party, while others pushed various shades of falsehood to suit their mischief. These claims are untrue. The suspension was not because of a birthday celebration as reported online.”

     Okike-Uzor emphasized that it is the governor’s prerogative to designate any engagement as official.

     “Once the governor designates an event as official, that’s final. He doesn’t need to consult any book to do that. It is his exclusive discretion,” he said.

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     He acknowledged that while some officials were unfortunate to be affected on this occasion, many had developed the habit of absenting themselves from key state functions, despite repeated calls by the governor for full participation.

     “Some officials just show up briefly and sneak out, even while the governor is still present. Others arrive at events after the governor is already seated or leave before he departs. These actions are clearly against government protocol.”

     While describing the suspension as unfortunate, he accepted the punishment as necessary.

    “It’s unfortunate that a few who rarely miss government functions were caught in this particular web, but we must accept the punishment in good faith. We erred.”

     He praised Nwifuru’s leadership style, describing him as patient, accommodating, and a servant-leader.

     “Governor Nwifuru is the only governor who would tolerate such an attitude for this long. Not because he is weak, but because he believes in building Ebonyi together.

     “He finds it difficult to punish people; he prefers to correct. He has been very encouraging and patient with members of the exco.”

    Okike-Uzor stressed that the governor does not condone irresponsibility and that the suspension was a fair response to a serious breach of duty.

    “Not attending government functions is a major breach of trust and responsibility. The proper sanction could have been more severe. 

    “Other governors might have simply dismissed the affected officials outright. But Governor Nwifuru chose the path of discipline with compassion — a carrot-and-stick approach, like a father nurturing his children.”

  • Nwifuru reassigns commissioners

    Nwifuru reassigns commissioners

    •Four exco members swap portfolios

    Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru has carried out a minor Executive Council (Exco) reshuffle, as part of efforts to reinvigorate his administration’s performance and realign government activities with the goals of his People’s Charter of Needs manifesto.

    He announced the reshuffle while presiding over the state Executive Council (Exco) meeting held at the Government House, Abakaliki.

    He urged members of the council to reflect on their stewardship to the people of Ebonyi State and recommit themselves to the developmental vision of the administration.

    Among the key changes in the Exco are: Jude Okpor, previously Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, redeployed to the Ministry of Rural Development.

    The former Commissioner for Rural Development, Ikeuwa Omebeh, was also redeployed to head Ministry of Information and State Orientation.

    Prof. Paul Awo Nwobasi, erstwhile Commissioner for Education (Primary and Secondary), now heads the Ministry of Border Peace and Conflict Resolution.

    Donatus Ilang, formerly overseeing Border Peace and Conflict Resolution, now assumes duties as Commissioner for Education (Primary and Secondary).

    The governor urged the newly-reassigned commissioners and other members of the council to redouble their efforts and deliver on their mandate with renewed energy and dedication.

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    A statement by the new Information Commissioner, Omebeh, said the council approved the strategic financial plan for the next three years.

    These include Economic and Fiscal Update (EFU), Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP) and Budget Policy Statement (BPS).

    “This approval is a key step toward the preparation of the 2026 state budget,” he said.

    Omebeh said in its bid to improve energy infrastructure and support industrial growth, the government gave approval for the installation of Independent Captive Power Generation Plants.

    The first phase will feature a three-megawatt plant at the ICT University in Oferekpe, Agbaja, aimed at delivering uninterrupted power to key institutions and industries.

    Omebeh said the council also gave the nod for Ebonyi’s participation in the Federal Government’s E-HEART initiative.

    He said the initiative focused on boosting energy availability in Health, Education, Agriculture, Rural Development and Transportation.

    He said the state would provide counterpart funding for the implementation of the project.

    Omebeh said the council approved the 2024 Business Enabling Reform Action Plan (BERAP).

    He said this would position Ebonyi State to meet the World Bank’s eligibility criteria under the State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) Programme for 2025.

    Omebeh said Governor Nwifuru also issued a six-month grace period to the Commissioner for Environment, Victor Uzoma-Chukwu, and the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Prof. Amari Omaka, to improve.

  • Ebonyi gov grants amnesty to 51 youths

    Ebonyi gov grants amnesty to 51 youths

    Ebonyi State governor, Francis Nwifuru has granted amnesty to 51 youths involved in the conflict between Ekoli community, Edda Local Government Area, and neighbouring Cross River communities.

     Ekoli and Egbor/Urugbam communities in Biase LGA, Cross River, clashed in 2021 over ownership of a palm plantation.

     According to a reporter by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the conflict caused several deaths and destruction of properties valued at millions of naira.

     Announcing the amnesty on Friday at the 134 Battalion, Nigerian Army, Ezillo, Ishielu LGA, Nwifuru urged beneficiaries to embrace peace and a new path.

     The governor said the state government was working with the Nigerian Army to achieve lasting peace in the conflict-affected areas.

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     “Our disarmament programme marked a turning point, showing the youths’ willingness — once vigilante members — to surrender arms and embrace peace,” the governor stated.

     He said the voluntary surrender of eight mortar bombs, 29 AK-47 rifles, and 21 pump-action guns demonstrated their commitment to peace and a brighter future.

     “We honour this commitment by granting amnesty to 51 of our brothers previously trapped in a cycle of violence,” Nwifuru said.

     He emphasized that the amnesty symbolised both a pardon and a fresh start, offering hope for a brighter future.

  • Tinubu celebrates Ebonyi governor Nwifuru at 50

    Tinubu celebrates Ebonyi governor Nwifuru at 50

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru of Ebonyi state on his 50th birthday, acknowledging his remarkable contributions to public service and leadership.

    In a statement released on Wednesday by his special adviser on information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu commended Governor Nwifuru’s political journey, highlighting his eight-year tenure as Speaker of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly from 2015 to 2023 before his election as governor.

    The President also praised the former National Vice-Chairman of the South East Conference of State Legislatures and Chief Whip for his dedication to Ebonyi State’s development and his commitment to public service.

    Offering his warm wishes, President Tinubu expressed hope for many more years of impactful leadership and success for the governor.

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    “President Bola Tinubu congratulates Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru of Ebonyi State on his 50th birthday.

    “President Tinubu acknowledges Governor Nwifuru’s impressive journey in public service, highlighting his rise from serving as the Speaker of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly for eight years, beginning in 2015, to his election as governor in 2023.

    “The President commends the former National Vice-Chairman of the South East Conference of State Legislatures and Chief Whip for his dedication to the development of Ebonyi State and his unwavering commitment to public service.

    “President Tinubu offers his warmest wishes for Governor Nwifuru’s continued well-being and happiness and many more years of impactful leadership and success”, the statement said.