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Tag: Nwifuru

  • 2027: Ebonyi not Obidient, will vote Tinubu, Nwifuru – Umahi

    2027: Ebonyi not Obidient, will vote Tinubu, Nwifuru – Umahi

    The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has assured that the people of Ebonyi state and the southeast will repay President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his developmental strides with their votes.

    Umahi gave the assurance on Saturday, during the Ohanivo New Yam Festival (Iriji) celebration.

    Speaking at the event, the Minister described the new yam festival as a cherished heritage handed down from the forefathers, thanking God for the opportunity to celebrate in good health.

    “Iriji is ancient, from our forefathers, and we are grateful to God that we are celebrating the new yam festival in good health.”

    He commended the leadership of Ebonyi State, noting that although Governor Francis Nwifuru could not attend due to his official engagement at the United Nations, the state was ably represented by the Acting Governor.

    Turning to politics in the Southeast, Umahi was emphatic that Ebonyi people are not “Obidient.”

    “Let me use this opportunity to appreciate our dear President – I am addressing the Southeast people. I am addressing those who darken the council without knowledge. I am addressing those who don’t understand what’s going on in Southeast.

    “I am addressing those who have occupied the social media – I have told them, Ebonyi State, we are not ‘obedient people’, we have been so marginalized and we are no longer obidient.

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    “But it is the man that has given us a sense of belonging – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Let no Obidient come to Ebonyi State and say this state belongs to Obidients – there is no obidients person in Ebonyi State.”

    Umahi stressed that the Southeast would not repeat past political missteps.

    “What we have is to return the good things that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has done for the Southeast and for Ebonyi State when the time comes. We will not be deceived again. The last election was a mistake, but we have become wiser,” he declared.

    Highlighting Tinubu’s infrastructural interventions, Umahi pointed to major projects across the region, including the legacy road linking Cross River State to Ndibe Beach, Afikpo, Abomege, Ezza South, Ezza North, Ishielu, and Benue State.

    “I will not be able to name all that President Tinubu is doing for us, but you see the legacy projects. President Tinubu only deserves our payback. Those who refuse to hear, they will hear us.

    “We want to be part of the United Nigeria, we want to be treated fairly, we want to be counted, and the President is doing that, so we have no reason not to support him,” he added.

    The Minister further urged support for Governor Francis Nwifuru, assuring that his achievements would soon speak for themselves.

    “We have no reason not to support Governor Francis Nwifuru. Don’t worry, when we were in office as Governor, people did not see all we were doing, but suddenly, it became visible to everyone, and so, it’s going on now.

    “You will not see all the rural roads the governor is doing, you will not see the urban roads the governor is doing, you will not see the housing estate he is doing, you have occupied the social media, but it will happen to you soon. You will soon see them.”

    Umahi concluded by urging the Acting Governor to convey the community’s concerns and requests directly to Governor Nwifuru.

  • 2027: Why we endorsed Tinubu, Nwifuru for second term, by Ebonyi communities

    2027: Why we endorsed Tinubu, Nwifuru for second term, by Ebonyi communities

    Communities in Ebonyi South Senatorial District, under the auspices of the OHANIVO General Assembly, have declared their support for the second-term bids of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, citing fairness, inclusiveness, and development as the major reasons behind their decision.

    Leaders of Ohaozara, Onicha, and Ivo Local Government Areas of Ebonyi State said their endorsement was hinged on President Tinubu’s resolve to give the South East a pride of place in his administration’s development roadmap, while also praising Governor Nwifuru for his deliberate implementation of the ‘People’s Charter of Needs’, which they said had touched every part of the state.

    The endorsements were made public during the 2025 Iri Ji Festival of the OHANIVO General Assembly, held on September 27.

    According to them, President Tinubu has broken the jinx of Igbo marginalization since the civil war by ensuring that no part of Nigeria is sidelined based on religion, tribe, tongue, or political affiliation.

    At the same time, Governor Nwifuru was hailed for pursuing inclusive governance at home, deepening grassroots development, and giving every community a sense of belonging.

    The OHANIVO insisted that the President’s commitment to diversity and inclusive leadership has restored hope for a more united and egalitarian Nigeria, stating, “The South East now feels recognized in the national development agenda, and our people are determined to reciprocate this sense of belonging by supporting President Tinubu in 2027,” one community leader said.

    Read Also: Tinubu redefining road construction – Works Minister

    They also lauded Governor Nwifuru’s performance, describing him as consistently intentional in delivering his administration’s core promises.

    From infrastructure to community development, they said, the governor had demonstrated fairness in distributing projects across the state.

     In his welcome remarks, the President-General of the Assembly, Hon. Darlington Onuabuchi Okereke, said the declarations were not personal opinions but the collective minds of the OHANIVO people.

    “Our people believe President Tinubu has renewed hope for a united Nigeria, while Governor Nwifuru has deepened inclusive development across Ebonyi. This is why we are standing with them for a second term,” Okereke said.

    Minister of Works and Grand Patron of the Assembly, Sen. David Umahi, thanked the communities for recognizing the president’s efforts, while urging the South East to rally behind Tinubu and Nwifuru, dismissing critics who claim the zone remains neglected.

    “In Ebonyi State, we are not ‘Obidient.’ Our obedience is to the man who has given us a sense of belonging, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    “The last election was a mistake, but we have learned. We now want to be counted in a united Nigeria, and the president has already shown us fairness,” Umahi said.

    On Governor Nwifuru’s re-election, Umahi was emphatic, emphasizing “Nothing will stop his second term because God has already endorsed it. Anyone fighting him is only struggling on social media.”

    For the OHANIVO communities, the endorsements reflect both gratitude and expectation, gratitude for the recognition they say they have received under the Tinubu and Nwifuru administrations, and expectation that their inclusive policies will continue to shape the future, Umahi noted.

    The acting Governor of Ebonyi, Princess Patricia Obila, who attended as Special Guest of Honour, praised the resilience of the OHANIVO communities and pledged the state government’s continued commitment to inclusive development.

    She also commended Umahi for his role in championing transformative road projects nationwide.

    Chairman of the occasion and Chief Executive Officer of Rock Results Group, Chief Ifeanyi Okorie, called for a standing ovation for President Tinubu, describing his administration as one that has given the South East “more prominence in Nigeria’s development roadmap.”

    The festival drew several prominent stakeholders, including Senator Prof. Anthony Okorie Ani, representing Ebonyi South; Hon. Nkemkama Kama, member representing Ohaozara/Onicha/Ivo Federal Constituency; and the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Grace Umezurike.

  • Nwifuru rewards man with N10m for trekking from Lagos to Abakaliki

    Nwifuru rewards man with N10m for trekking from Lagos to Abakaliki

    Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has announced a N10 million reward for Jeremiah Obaji, who trekked for 17 days from Ikorodu, Lagos, to Abakaliki.

    Obaji, a native of Anioma autonomous community in Ohaukwu Local Government Area, said he embarked on the journey to appreciate the governor for restoring peace to the crisis-torn Effium community.

    He commended Nwifuru’s role in ending the long-standing communal conflict, noting that his trek was his personal way of expressing gratitude for the return of peace and stability.

    “My community was in serious crisis. Many souls were lost, and many properties were destroyed. My parents, in-laws, and other relatives are here in Abakaliki because of this war.

    READ ALSO: How Nigeria can achieve ICT’s 21% GDP target – MTN boss

    “I have been the one taking care of all of them, and I developed high blood pressure because of what I have been passing through over this crisis.

    “I am based in Ikorodu, Lagos State, where I am doing business, and I thought of what to do to appreciate our dear Governor who restored peace to my community because past administrations tried to restore peace but could not succeed.

    “So, I decided that I must trek to Abakaliki from Ikorodu, Lagos State, to appreciate him, and here I am to thank you, Your Excellency,” he told the Chief of Staff to Governor Francis Nwifuru, Professor Emmanuel Echiegu, who received him on behalf of the Governor.

    Receiving Mr Nworu at Government House Abakaliki, Governor Nwifuru assured that he will continue to ensure peace in different parts of the state as part of his People’s Charter of Needs manifesto.

    He commended Obaji for trekking such a long distance to Abakaliki to appreciate him.

    He announced a cash gift of N10 million for him to take care of his health following his worn-out appearance as a result of the long trek.

  • Eid-el-Maulud: Nwifuru urges Nigerians to embrace peace, unity

    Eid-el-Maulud: Nwifuru urges Nigerians to embrace peace, unity

    Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has called on Nigerians to foster peace and unity as the nation marks Eid-el-Maulud.

    In a goodwill message issued by his spokesperson, Monday Uzor, on Friday, the governor congratulated Muslims in the state and beyond on the commemoration of the birth of Prophet Muhammad, describing his life and teachings as a guiding compass for millions.

    He noted that Eid-el-Maulud is a period for reflection, renewal of faith, and commitment to the principles of love, peace, and compassion exemplified by Prophet Muhammad.

    Read Also: Dafinone felicitates Muslims on Eid-ul-Mawlid, urges unity, compassion

    “As we celebrate this noble event, let us unite in prayers for peace, unity, and prosperity in our dear Ebonyi State in particular and Nigeria in general. I urge everyone to observe the festivities with humility, charity, and brotherhood,” Nwifuru said.

    The governor assured that his administration remains committed to implementing policies and programmes aimed at improving the well-being of residents without bias.

    He also commended Muslims in Ebonyi for their peaceful coexistence and urged them to continue contributing to the state’s progress.

  • Lagos businessman treks 633km to honour Governor Nwifuru’s peace efforts in Ebonyi

    Lagos businessman treks 633km to honour Governor Nwifuru’s peace efforts in Ebonyi

    A Lagos-based businessman, Jeremiah Nworu Obaji, has set out on a 633-kilometre walk from Ikorodu, Lagos State, to Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, in support of Governor Francis Nwifuru’s peace initiatives in the Effium/Ezza-Effium community of Ohaukwu Local Government Area.

    Obaji, a native of Inikiri Umuezeoka, began his journey at noon on Friday, cheered on by friends and business associates.

    He said the trek was inspired by the governor’s proactive efforts to end the violent conflict that erupted in January 2021, which claimed lives and displaced many families, including some of his relatives.

    “The crisis caused untold hardship to me and many others. The governor promised peace during his campaign, and he has delivered. This trek is my way of thanking him,” Obaji said.

    He also commended the creation of new autonomous communities and boundary demarcations to prevent future disputes, noting that the governor signed a peace accord into law in May, which included establishing five autonomous communities—three for Effium indigenes and two for their Ezza counterparts.

    “We have been able to champion peace with dignity and respect for humanity. Some people are benefiting from this crisis, but this government will not allow them to sabotage peace,” the governor had said during the signing ceremony at the Government House in Abakaliki.

    However, not everyone has embraced the measures. Leaders of the Effium community have rejected certain aspects of the peace plan—particularly the ceding of land and the creation of autonomous communities—vowing to challenge the move in court. They accused the governor of favouring the Ezza people.

    Despite the pushback, Governor Nwifuru’s efforts have received widespread praise. The Ebonyi State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and several federal lawmakers have applauded his commitment to restoring peace.

    Read Also: Mining disaster: Ebonyi launches investigation, refutes negligence claims

    APC spokesperson Chidi Ogbuatu described the governor as “a true peacemaker,” while Senators Onyekachi Nwebonyi (Ebonyi North) and Ken Eze (Ebonyi Central) hailed his “courageous political will” in tackling the conflict.

    As part of its broader peace agenda, the state government recently released about 180 detainees arrested during the height of the conflict, citing insufficient evidence to prosecute them.

    Despite lingering tensions, Obaji insists that peace is gradually returning to his community.

    “Even if the governor did nothing else, the peace he brought has saved countless lives. We must all appreciate him when he does well,” he said.

    At the time of filing this report, Mr Obajie had passed Pre in Ondo state and was heading to Ofosu before Okada Junction in Benin City Edo State.

  • Ebonyi proud to identify with Tinubu – Nwifuru

    Ebonyi proud to identify with Tinubu – Nwifuru

    Gov. Francis Nwifuru has declared that Ebonyi people are proud to identify with President Bola Tinubu due to his bold decisions which marks him 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 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.

    “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.

    “I felt this delegation should have stayed for three days in Ebonyi to tour and report what we are doing to the president.

    “Ebonyi has been blessed with good leaders since creation and the support of its stakeholders and people have been top notch,” he said.

    The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris thanked Ebonyi people for the reception, noting that the delegation was awed by the mammoth turn-out at the event.

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    “The president is currently out of the country but he is watching this event and will definitely be happy.

    ““What we have seen in Ebonyi is awesome and could have opted to stay for days to monitor ongoing state and federal government projects across the state.

    “We just monitored about 20 per cent of the projects and this showed that Ebonyi is greatly feeling the impact of the president’s renewed hope agenda,” he said.

    He assured Ebonyi people and Nigerians of continued delivery of democratic dividends, asserting that a “winning team is not supposed to be changed”.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that stakeholders who include National Assembly members, All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwarts among others, affirmed Ebonyi people’s continued support to president Tinubu.

    (NAN)

  • JUST IN: Nwifuru lifts suspension on 81 Ebonyi government officials

    JUST IN: Nwifuru lifts suspension on 81 Ebonyi government officials

    Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has lifted the suspension of 81 top government officials, including Commissioners, Senior Special Assistants, Special Assistants, and Permanent Secretaries.

    The officials were suspended on July 28, 2025, for failing to attend a key state government function. However, they have now been directed to resume their duties immediately.

    The announcement was made in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Monday Uzor, who noted that the governor’s decision reflects his commitment to good governance, administrative order, and the smooth functioning of the state’s public service.

    Read Also: AfroBasket: Nwifuru, Reps member hail Ebonyi-born D’Tigress star Blessing Ejiofor

    “The Governor of Ebonyi State, His Excellency Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has graciously lifted the suspension on 81 government officials,” the statement read. “He has directed the affected Commissioners, Senior Special Assistants, Special Assistants, and Permanent Secretaries to resume official duties without delay.”

    The development is expected to restore normal operations across the state’s ministries and agencies. As of the time of this report, the affected officials had begun returning to their posts.

  • AfroBasket: Nwifuru, Reps member hail Ebonyi-born D’Tigress star Blessing Ejiofor

    AfroBasket: Nwifuru, Reps member hail Ebonyi-born D’Tigress star Blessing Ejiofor

    Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, and the lawmaker representing Ohaozara/Onicha/Ivo Federal Constituency, Hon. Kama Nkemkanma, have congratulated Nigerian basketball star Blessing Ejiofor for her key role in D’Tigress’ fifth consecutive AfroBasket Women’s Championship title in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

    In a statement on Tuesday, Governor Nwifuru described Ejiofor, a native of Okposi in Ohaozara Local Government Area, as a source of pride to Ebonyi State and a powerful symbol of what determination and hard work can achieve.

    “You have created another moment of history with your achievement, and we are incredibly proud of you,” the governor said. “For every girl-child from Ebonyi, you are an inspiration, showing that hard work and dedication can lead to great accomplishments.”

    He also applauded Ejiofor’s commitment to girl-child empowerment through her work with the Muna Foundation’s Girls Empowerment Camp, calling her a beacon of hope and a role model.

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    In a separate message, Hon. Nkemkanma commended Ejiofor’s contribution to Nigeria’s continued dominance in African women’s basketball, praising her for elevating the image of Ebonyi State through her outstanding performance.

    “Your journey from local playcourts to the prestigious courts of Vanderbilt University, Chipola, West Virginia University, and now D’Tigress is a shining example of relentless dedication and talent,” he said.

    Nkemkanma described Ejiofor as a role model for youth, lauding her for representing her constituency, state, and nation with “grace, strength, and excellence.”

    Ejiofor was a member of the victorious D’Tigress team that clinched the 2025 AfroBasket title, further cementing Nigeria’s dominance in women’s basketball on the continent.

  • Our suspension by Gov Nwifuru in order, says suspended commissioner

    Our suspension by Gov Nwifuru in order, says suspended commissioner

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

    In a statement issued in Abakaliki, Okike-Uzor said the suspension, which affected Commissioners, Senior Special Assistants, Special Assistants, and Permanent Secretaries, was prompted by their consistent failure to attend official government functions.

    He debunked widespread rumours that the disciplinary action was linked to officials missing a birthday celebration, calling such claims false and politically motivated.

    “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,” he said. “Some claimed it was a birthday party, while others pushed different shades of falsehood to suit their mischief. These claims are untrue.”

    Okike-Uzor maintained that the governor reserves the right to declare any function official and that such designations must be respected.

    “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 stated.

    He noted that many of the suspended officials had formed a habit of arriving late, sneaking out early, or completely absenting themselves from key state functions despite the governor’s repeated warnings.

    “Some officials just show up briefly and sneak out, even while the governor is still present. Others arrive late or leave before him. These actions clearly breach official protocol,” he said.

    While describing the suspension as unfortunate, Okike-Uzor accepted it in good faith and acknowledged that even a few diligent officials were affected.

    “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 admitted.

    He commended Governor Nwifuru for his patience and leadership, describing him as a servant-leader committed to the collective growth of Ebonyi State.

    Read Also: Nwifuru suspends 87 senior Ebonyi officials for snubbing state function

    “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,” Okike-Uzor added.

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

    Mr. 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.”

    He urged the public to disregard misleading online reports and focus on the facts.

    “Let us not contribute to spreading misinformation. The circulating online narratives are baseless conjectures and do not represent the true situation.”

  • Nwifuru suspends 25 commissioners, 62 officials for snubbing state function

    Nwifuru suspends 25 commissioners, 62 officials for snubbing state function

    Commissioners, senior special assistants, special assistants and permanent secretaries are among those suspended last night by Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru.

    The governor wielded the big stick against 87 officials for allegedly staying away from a function organized by the state government.

    In a statement last night signed by his Chief Press Secretary Monday Uzor, the governor said they were suspended for failing to attend an important government function.

    The statement noted that the affected officials have been asked to proceed on a one-month working suspension without salary.

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    Affected are 25 commissioners, 14 senior special assistants, 24 special assistants and 22 permanent secretaries.

    According to the statement, the suspension takes immediate effect and the suspended officials are barred from signing any official documents during the period.

    The commissioners were further instructed to hand over to their respective permanent secretaries.

    The statement further reads: “The governor of Ebonyi State, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has directed that the underlisted government functionaries proceed on one-month working suspension without salary for failure to attend an important government function.”

    On the list of the suspended officials are: Stanley Lebechi Mbam; Prof. Leonard Uguru; Dr. Mathew Nwobashi; Prof. Nwogo Obasi; Ikeuwa Omebe; Chief Sunday Inyima and Stanley Ogbuewu.

    The statement emphasized that the governor remains firm in ensuring all government officials uphold the highest standards of conduct and dedication in serving the people.