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Tag: Governor Nwifuru

  • JUST IN: Governor Nwifuru reshuffles cabinet

    JUST IN: Governor Nwifuru reshuffles cabinet

    Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has implemented a minor cabinet reshuffle aimed at boosting government efficiency and aligning his administration with the goals of the *People’s Charter of Needs* manifesto.

    The changes were announced during Monday’s State Executive Council (EXCO) meeting held at the Government House, Abakaliki.

    The governor urged council members to reflect on their performance and recommit to the administration’s development agenda.

    Key adjustments include: Jude Chikadibia Okpor, former Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, now redeployed to the Ministry of Rural Development.

    Aikeuwa Omebeh, who previously served as Commissioner for Rural Development, takes over the Ministry of Information and State Orientation.

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

    Donatus Ilang, previously in charge of Border Peace and Conflict Resolution, becomes the new Commissioner for Education (Primary and Secondary).

    READ ALSO: Aiyedatiwa assigns portfolios to newly sworn-in Ondo commissioners

    Governor Nwifuru charged the reassigned commissioners to bring renewed energy to their roles and deliver measurable results for the people of Ebonyi.

    In a statement issued by the newly appointed Information Commissioner, Aikeuwa Omebeh, the EXCO approved the Economic and Fiscal Update (EFU), Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP), and Budget Policy Statement (BPS)—vital planning documents for the preparation of the state’s 2026 budget.

    The council also approved the installation of Independent Captive Power Generation Plants, with the first phase to include a 3-megawatt plant at the ICT University in Oferekpe, Agbaja. This is expected to support uninterrupted electricity for key institutions and industries in the state.

    Additionally, Ebonyi will participate in the Federal Government’s E-HEART initiative, which focuses on enhancing energy supply to critical sectors including Health, Education, Agriculture, Rural Development, and Transportation. The state will provide counterpart funding to support its implementation.

    The council further endorsed the 2024 Business Enabling Reform Action Plan (BERAP) to position Ebonyi State for eligibility under the World Bank-backed State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) programme for 2025.

  • Umahi: Political jobbers trying to pit me against Governor Nwifuru

    Umahi: Political jobbers trying to pit me against Governor Nwifuru

    Former Governor of Ebonyi State and current Minister of Works, David Umahi, has accused certain political jobbers in the state of attempting to create a rift between him and Governor Francis Nwifuru.

    Speaking during the flag-off of the Ebonyi section of the Calabar to Abuja Super Highway on Wednesday at Amauro Primary School in Afikpo Local Government Area, Umahi alleged that some individuals were fueling division for selfish gains.

    He said such persons thrive only in chaotic political environments and are bent on stirring conflict to remain relevant and benefit from government activities.

    Dismissing speculations surrounding his involvement in the upcoming APC State Conference, Umahi explained that he had no interest in the event, stating that Governor Nwifuru is fully in charge as the leader of the party in Ebonyi State.

    He said: “Some hungry persons have been trying to cause crisis in this state. But I am not available. I have been badly used in the past, but not anymore. I am not available again.

    “I was Governor for 8 years in this state, and I controlled all the structures without interference from any quarter. Yet, some people think that after leaving office I will come back to contest structure with my successor. 

    “I can’t do that. I am too busy for that. The Governor is the leader of the party in the State, and his words are final as far as party structure is concerned.

    “When you will be conducting your congresses and convention, I would be in Dubai; you won’t see me here”, he said.

    Umahi also debunked reports that Governor Francis Nwifuru had signed an agreement with the All Progressive Congress (APC) to do just one term in office.

    He described the claim as falsehood saying such insinuation only exist in the imagination of the purveyors.

    “There is no such agreement anywhere. I supported him to become Governor without any condition. 

    “His 8 years is sacrosanct. That is already taken for granted. Now, we are even looking beyond the next remaining 6 years, as there is no opposition in Ebonyi.

    “As David, I fought wars for 8 years. But he is very lucky. No opposition anywhere under him. Those who could have opposed him have all joined us. So he is the luckiest Governor Ebonyi has produced” l, Umahi said

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    The Minister commended the Governor for uniting the state, and urged him to ignore his critics while focusing on his developmental strides.

    He argued that those criticising him now, would later praise him when he leaves office.

    “When I was Governor, they were shouting hunger, hunger everywhere. They said I was doing nothing. But now, they say I was a good Governor. But they criticised me bitterly when I was in office.

    “Governor Nwifuru is not anyhow a governor. You can’t get him angry with social media posts unlike me. He will complete 8 years because there is no opposition party in Ebonyi State. Nwifuru has united everyone into APC. Come 2027, Ebonyi people will vote massively for Nwifuru and Tinubu.” 

    “So I urged you to remain focused, and continue to work for the state. You have my support and the support of the good people of Ebonyi State”, Umahi added