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Tag: Nwifuru

  • Nwifuru suspends 87 senior Ebonyi officials for snubbing state function

    Nwifuru suspends 87 senior Ebonyi officials for snubbing state function

    Ebonyi Governor Francis Nwifuru has suspended 87 government officials.

    Those suspended include Commissioners, Senior Special Assistants, Special Assistants and Permanent Secretaries.

    The Governor in statement on Monday night by his Chief Press Secretary Monday Uzor said they were suspended for failing to attend an important government function.

    Izor noted that the affected officials are to proceed on a one-month working suspension without salary.

    The announcement listed 25 Commissioners, 14 Senior Special Assistants, 24 Special Assistants and 22 Permanent Secretaries as those affected by the Governor’s directive.

    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.

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    “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,” the statement read.

    Some of the prominent names on the suspension list include Engr. Stanley Lebechi Mbam, Prof. Leonard Uguru, Dr. Mathew Nwobashi, Prof. Nwogo Obasi, Barr. Ikeuwa Omebe, Chief Sunday Inyima, and Hon. Stanley Ogbuewu.

    Uzor, in 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 of Ebonyi State.

    The action, observers say, sends a strong signal of accountability and discipline in public service, with the Governor reinforcing his commitment to enforcing administrative responsibility and commitment to duty.

  • Nwifuru nullifies town union’s banishment of ex-Ebonyi council chair, brother

    Nwifuru nullifies town union’s banishment of ex-Ebonyi council chair, brother

    Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has described the banishment of the former Chairman of Edda Local Government Area, Dr. Eni Uduma Chima and his younger brother, Uduma Chima, by the town union of the community as null and void.

     The governor said the action of the town union against the two brothers negated the principles of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

     The community, known for a series of crises arising from power tussles by political gladiators in the area, have been witnessing killings, maiming and destruction of properties worth millions of naira for the past two months.

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     The latest killing occurred last week when a member of the community, Udu Nnachi Uzor was murdered by gunmen in his house, leaving his wife, Onyinye who is nursing a two- month- old baby and three other children behind.

     The widow alleged that a member of a political group in the area known as Catcham Boys killed her husband and called for the arrest of the man who she gave his name as Deri.

     Before the killing of Uzor, the town union of the community and some stakeholders of the area pronounced the former chairman of the local government, Eni and his younger brother, Uduma, banished for seven years.

     They also announced that the duo would pay N106 million as a fine when they return from the banishment after seven years.

  • Nwifuru nullifies town union’s banishment of ex-Ebonyi council chair, brother 

    Nwifuru nullifies town union’s banishment of ex-Ebonyi council chair, brother 

    Ebonyi Governor Francis Nwifuru has described the banishment against former chairman of Edda Local Government Area, Dr. Eni Uduma Chima and his younger brother, Uduma Chima by the town union of the community as null and void.

    The Governor said the action of the town union  against the two brothers, negates the principles  of the federal republic of Nigeria.

    The community, known for its volatility because of series of crises arising from power tussle by political gladiators in the area, have been witnessing killings,  maiming and destruction of properties worth millions of naira for the past two months.

    The latest killing occurred last Wednesday when a member of the community, Udu Nnachi Uzor was murdered by gunmen in his house, leaving  wife, Onyinye who is nursing a two month old baby and three other children behind.

    The widow alleged a member of a political group in the area known as catcham boys, killed her husband and called for the arrest of the man who she gave his name as Deri.

    Before the killing of Uzor, the town union of the community and some stakeholders of the area pronounced the former chairman of the local government, Eni and his younger brother, Uduma banished for seven years.

    They  also announced that the duo will pay N106million as fine when they return from the banishment after the seven years.

    The banishment escalated the tension in the community.

    Nwifuru, who was visibly angry over the crisis, summoned the warring groups to his office on Friday to find lasting solution to the crisis.

    The Governor declared the banishment of Eni and his younger brother was null and void and that it felt short of the constitution of Nigeria.

    “We  disagree on the banishment, we dis- agreed on one condition, that this banishment cannot hold because this banishment negates  the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and because of that it cannot stand,” he said.

    He warned that no civilian in the community no matter the status should bear arms and disbanded all the warring groups known as catcham boys, trigger-happy boys and amnesty boys in the area.

    ” No civilian, no matter who that person is, whether it’s catcham boys, whether it’s trigger-happy boys, whether it’s amnesty boys, anyone found with any ammunition or arms should be dealt with according to the rule of law. 

    “Two,  Eni  requested that his MAC-Truck diverted to unknown destination,  should be returned to him.  The community should provide his MAC-Truck and return it to him,” he ordered.

    Nwifuru ordered all the warring groups to collapse their structures to the town union leadership and traditional ruler of the community.

    He ordered the reactivation of Ekoli police post as recommended by Eni to  tackle security issues in the community head-long.

  • Nwifuru seeks additional states for southeast

    Nwifuru seeks additional states for southeast

    …calls for rotational presidency to address national imbalance

    The governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has called for the creation of more states in the southeast to address what he described as a structural imbalance in Nigeria’s geopolitical framework.

    He made the call while receiving members of the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, who were in the state as part of their nationwide public hearing.

    “To end regional squabbles permanently, I urge the National Assembly to constitutionally address marginalisation and structural imbalances,” the Governor said.

    “Out of the six geopolitical zones in the country, only the South East has five states. This anomaly breeds resentment and must be corrected.”

    Governor Nwifuru also advocated for the rotation of the presidency among all six geopolitical zones as a measure to promote equity and national unity.

    “It is unjust that since 1999, the South East has not produced a president. What is the essence of the geopolitical zoning if every zone cannot have the opportunity to occupy the presidency?” he asked.

    READ ALSO: Aiyedatiwa applauds Tinubu’s commitment to NDDC

    He further proposed a review of Section 308 of the Constitution to extend immunity to the Senate President, Deputy Senate President, Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, as well as their counterparts in the state assemblies.

    Reiterating his position on the establishment of state police, Governor Nwifuru urged the National Assembly to provide constitutional backing for it, dismissing fears that state governors would misuse the security structure.

    Earlier, the leader of the delegation and Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi, said the team was in the South East for the zonal public hearing on the ongoing constitutional review.

    He acknowledged Governor Nwifuru’s active participation in previous review exercises during his time as Speaker of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly.

    “We assure you that no part of the country will be shortchanged in this process,” Nwebonyi stated.

  • Nwifuru condemns killing of 13 Ebonyi indigenes in Anambra

    Nwifuru condemns killing of 13 Ebonyi indigenes in Anambra

    Ebonyi Governor Francis Nwifuru has condemned the gruesome killing of thirteen Ebonyi indigenes in Ogboji community, Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State.

    The victims, according to reports, were attacked during their monthly town union meeting penultimate Monday.

    In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Monday Uzor on Wednesday, Nwifuru described the killings as “senseless, barbaric and an affront to peace, unity and the sanctity of human life.

    “It defies reason and logic that a group of Ebonyi people holding a peaceful meeting would be shot at at close range. It is unacceptable, and I frown strongly at such heinous acts in their entirety,” he said.

    The Governor revealed he has contacted his Anambra counterpart, Charles Chukwuma Soludo, and called for a swift, thorough, and transparent investigation into the incident.

    He emphasised the perpetrators must be brought to justice without delay, warning that any compromise in the matter could jeopardize the cordial relationship between both states.

    Read Also: Umahi not controlling me, says Nwifuru

    While urging Ebonyi people, especially the bereaved families and affected communities, to remain calm and avoid reprisals, Governor Nwifuru assured that the Ebonyi State Government would deploy all necessary resources to ensure the killers are unmasked and prosecuted.

    “Such barbarism has no place in modernity, and state arsenals will be deployed to unmask the perpetrators of the bloody killings,” the Governor said.

    He reiterated his administration’s commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of all Ebonyi citizens, both within and outside the state.

    Nwifuru vowed to follow up the matter until justice is served and promised that there would be no sacred cows.

  • Nwifuru rewards Abakaliki FC despite President  Federation Cup loss

    Nwifuru rewards Abakaliki FC despite President  Federation Cup loss

    The Executive Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has announced a generous reward package for Abakaliki FC following their remarkable run to the final of the 2025 President Federation Cup.

    Though the team narrowly missed out on the trophy, falling to Kwara United in a tense final decided by penalties at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos.

    Governor Nwifuru rewarded the players and technical crew for their resilience, and the pride they brought to Ebonyi State.

    As part of the reward package: Each player to get 500k each while the head coach will receive 1 million. Salaries of old players will be paid until November 2025.Supporters Club will get ₦3 million in appreciation. Non-technical staff will receive ₦500,000 each

    The Ebonyi Chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) will also receive ₦1 million

    Read Also: Ilaje: Nwifuru gives financial support to 800 Ebonyi victims

    In addition, the Governor pledged full backing for Abakaliki FC’s bid to return to the Nigeria National League (NNL) next season, following their relegation to the Nationwide League One (NLO) earlier this year.

    A senior official in the Ebonyi State Ministry of Sports also confirmed that a strategic plan is underway to develop Abakaliki FC into a model club with the right infrastructure, staffing, and youth academy system.

    Abakaliki FC’s fairy-tale Federation Cup campaign, which saw them upset several higher-tier teams on their way to the final, has been hailed as a testament to the rise of grassroots football in Ebonyi State.

  • Odoh hails Nwifuru’s impact in Ebonyi education sector

    Odoh hails Nwifuru’s impact in Ebonyi education sector

    Professor Bernard Odoh, the 2023 gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Ebonyi State, has lauded Governor Francis Nwifuru’s achievements in the education sector.

    Odoh made the commendation during an interaction with journalists in Abakaliki yesterday, while marking the second anniversary of Governor Nwifuru’s administration.

    He expressed delight at attending the event on the governor’s invitation and praised the administration’s efforts in education, particularly its support for over a thousand scholars locally and abroad.

    “Education is the best law in the world,” Odoh emphasized, urging the governor to continue investing in this critical sector.

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    The APGA chieftain also called for increased investment in technology to ensure Ebonyi remains competitive in the coming decades.

    “Today’s world is driven by technology. If we invest in technology and create a quality learning environment, it will secure our future,” he stated.

    On the security situation in the state, Odoh commended Governor Nwifuru for his efforts in fostering peace, noting that he had personally reached out to the governor to commend his work in this regard.

    When asked about his plans for the 2027 elections, Prof. Odoh declined to discuss politics.

    “I’m focused on building my agenda for personal development. 2027 is too early to talk about,” he said.

  • Umahi not controlling me, says Nwifuru

    Umahi not controlling me, says Nwifuru

    Ebonyi Governor Francis Nwifuru has dismissed reports of being controlled by his predecessor, David Umahi.

    Nwifuru, who dismissed the reports on Wednesday in Abakaliki, noted the Minister of Works did not even impose any condition on him in exchange for his support during the election.

    Nwifuru  gave the clarification during a lecture to mark his second anniversary in office.

    He maintained that any action,inaction or mistake of his administration should be blamed on him and not on any other person. 

    He said: “I am logically stubborn, and Umahi knows this well.Umahi is a man whose ways are clear and has never insisted that I do things this way or that. The minister knows that if he does that, I will resist it,” he said.

    Nwifuru, who was Speaker for the two terms when Umahi was Governor, noted that  he learnt a lot from the former governor. 

    Read Also: Ebonyi community endorses Tinubu, Nwifuru, Ogah for re-election

    “Any shortcoming on my part rests entirely on me and not on anyone else.I could have been a better leader if Umahi actually controls me,” he said.

    He commended Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi (Ebonyi North) for standing up to Mrs Oby Ezekwesiri during a committee hearing on Senator Natasha Akpoti’s sexual allegations against Senate President Goodwill Akpabio.

    Former Senate President Pius Anyim commended the Governor for his strides within two years and urged him not to be distracted in implementing his policies.

    Anyim, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), said that reclaiming the Abakaliki city master plan was a bold move by the Governor that should be supported by all.

  • Ebonyi community endorses Tinubu, Nwifuru, Ogah for re-election

    Ebonyi community endorses Tinubu, Nwifuru, Ogah for re-election

    Elders, stakeholders, and thought leaders of the Enyibichiri Alike community in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State have endorsed President Bola Tinubu for re-election in 2027.

    They also threw their support behind Governor Francis Nwifuru and the member representing Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency, Hon. Chinedu Ogah, for another term.

    The endorsements were announced over the weekend during a one-day working visit by Hon. Ogah to the community.

    During the visit, Ogah commissioned the newly reconstructed Ofee Bridge, a project undertaken by the Ebonyi State Commissioner for Border Peace and Conflict Resolution, Mr. Donatus Ilang.

    Speaking at the event, Hon. Ogah urged the people to support President Tinubu, noting that the President has shown genuine commitment to the development of the South East through his Renewed Hope Agenda.

    “President Tinubu is addressing long-abandoned infrastructure projects across the South East, and every sector of the economy is receiving serious attention,” he said.

    Ogah praised the enabling environment created by the Tinubu administration, which, he said, has allowed National Assembly members to deliver more projects to their constituents.

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    He pledged to facilitate the installation of a telecommunication mast to boost mobile network connectivity in the community.

    In addition, Ogah donated solar-powered streetlights to enhance security and nighttime activities and promised to begin the construction of four blocks of open shops at the community market square to stimulate local commerce.

    Speaking on behalf of the stakeholders, Mr. Ilang commended the developmental strides of President Tinubu and Governor Nwifuru, emphasising that both leaders deserve to be re-elected for their outstanding performances.

  • Ilaje: Nwifuru gives financial support to 800 Ebonyi victims

    Ilaje: Nwifuru gives financial support to 800 Ebonyi victims

    Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru has disbursed N200, 000 each as financial assistance to about 800 indigenes of Ebonyi State who were evacuated back to Ebonyi State from the Ilaje Otumara village demolition exercise by the Lagos State Government.

    The victims mostly women and children who were repatriated back about 4 weeks ago by the State Government now share tale of relief from the benevolence of the State Government.

    One of them, Charity Okeosisi described their experience as painful and agonizing.

    She noted that many of them lost all they had laboured for in life and said that they have been forced to start life all over again on arrival to Ebonyi State.

    Mrs. Okeosisi who expressed a sigh of relief following the disbursement of the funds by the State Governor noted that weeks after the Ebonyi State Government evacuated them back to Ebonyi State, they has been living from hand to mouth as there are nothing left for them to feed.

    Another beneficiary, Mrs. Martina Ofoke, expresses satisfaction that the Ebonyi State Governor heard their cry and promptly intervened on their behalf pointing out that the financial assistance of the State Government will will go a long way in helping them put food on their table.

    Some other affected victims while commending the gesture of the state government assistance also expressed the optimism that the State will also empower them to start up something in the State as they have no other place to go.

    The State Commissioner for Special duties and Focal Person, Ebonyi State Diaspora office, Mr. Valentine Okike-Uzo handed over the cheques to the victims.

    He noted that this is one of the measures the state government deployed to cushion the hardship faced by the victims repatriated back to the State.

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    Okike-Uzo assured that the approximately 800 victims who were properly documented will all receive the N200,000 naira financial assistance of the state government and urged them to utilize it well in meaningful ventures.

    He assured the victims that the State Government would also come up with more intervention programs that will help in resettling them and urged them to remain good citizens of the State while they reside in their different localities.

    The Commissioner took turns to hand over the cheque to the victims.