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Tag: Francis Nwifuru

  • How God used Umahi to make me governor – Nwifuru

    How God used Umahi to make me governor – Nwifuru

    Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has said God used the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi to make him the State’s governor in 2023.

    Nwifuru said this  on Monday when both attended mpowerment programme by member representing Ohaoazara/Onicha/ Ivo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Nkemkanma Kama, at Ishiagu, Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi.

    Umahi ensured that his political godson Nwifuru, succeeded him at the  end of his tenure in 2023. The duo have enjoyed a cordial relationship since then with Umahi consistently asserting that Nwifuru would complete an eight- year tenure in office.

    At the event Nwifuru said he the state governor because he the `greatest beneficiary` of Umahi’s governance.

    “God would have used another person to make me governor but Umahi was the only person available to be used. At the time God searched for a person to use in making me governor, Umahi made himself available,” he said.

    Nwifuru noted that God also used the minister to make him Speaker of the state House of Assembly for eight years when he was governor.

    “I performed the duty honestly and that is why I am proud to have him as a boss. Umahi as a governor, excelled in ensuring peace, infrastructure and human capital development among other sectors,” he said.

    The governor further described Umahi as a goal-getter who knows when to strike and get what he wants.

    Why I attended Labour Party legislator’s event – Gov Nwifuru

    Meanwhile, Governor Nwifuru has explained that he attended an event organised by a labour party legislator from the state because politics is not enmity.

    Nwifuru said this on Monday at Ishiagu, Ivo Local Government Area, during the empowerment programme of member representing Ohaoazara/ Onicha/ Ivo Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, Hon. Nkemkanma Kama.

    The governor said that he attended the event because politics should be about collaboration in the overall interest of the state and country.

    “Kama is supposed to be my enemy as he belongs to another party but he has turned out to be my friend. After election comes governance. That is why I came with leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, including its chairman,” he said.

    He said Kama had aligned with this ideology by also identifying with his administration.

    “Any time I am engaged in any activity even child naming ceremony, Kama is always there.

    “I advise him to join APC before the door is closed as I will campaign for the candidate of my party during elections.

    “He should also ensure that these items get to APC members so that they would speak good of him when he eventually joins,” he said.

    Kama in his remarks, thanked the governor and all the state’s leaders who attended the programme, saying that Nwifuru takes him as a brother and friend.

    “I also thank the leadership of the House of Representatives and stakeholders of the constituency as their selflessness and commitment testify to the communal spirit in us,” he said.

    The lawmaker said the items include tricycles, motorcycles, grinding machines, sewing machines, hair dryers, knapsacks, among others.

    “These items are designed to support our constituents in their various endeavours, whether in local transportation, commerce, personal development, among others.

    “We selected the beneficiaries based on the state governor’s detribalised approach of inclusivity and fairness, irrespective of political affiliation.

    “The beneficiaries are advised to use the items for intended purposes while those yet to benefit are assured of being captured in subsequent batches,” he said.

    Mrs Nnenna Okoroafor, a beneficiary, thanked the lawmaker for the gesture and called for more assistance from leaders.

    Former Senate President, Pius Anyim, Minister of Works, Sen. David Umahi, among others attended the event.

  • I will ensure Gov Nwifuru completes 8 years in office – Umahi

    I will ensure Gov Nwifuru completes 8 years in office – Umahi

    Minister of Works, Sen. David Umahi says he will never abandon his successor, Gov. Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi and ensure that he completes eight years in office.

    Umahi made the pledge on Saturday at his hometown Uburu, Ohaoazara Local Government Area of Ebonyi when Nwifuru’s clan members, Izzi National Youths Forum, paid him Christmas homage.

    The former governor, while describing the visit as “surprising”, maintained that Nwifuru would complete his two terms in office as he and other former governors of the state did.

    “God forbid that Izzi people stand against me tomorrow but my covenant with God and Nwifuru is to complete uninterrupted eight years in office.

    “Nothing will stop this as I fought principalities and powers alone and won to make him governor. Do you think I cannot do it presently that I have someone by my side?” he queried.

    He reiterated his earlier stance that the Izzi clan remained the state’s present best governance option and had no regret over it

    “Nwifuru is humble and till the end of eight years, I am not leaving him,” he said.

    Umahi commended the leadership of the group for its dexterity noting that he was awed by the number of members on the delegation.

    “It is gratifying that you came to celebrate with me when you should have been at home celebrating with your son, the governor,” he said.

    The National President of Izzi National Youths Forum, Mr Andrew  Elom, said the visit was to thank Umahi for fulfilling his promise of handing over the state’s governorship seat to an Izzi indigene.

    Elom pleaded with Umahi not to abandon his successor and son, Nwifuru but always guide him to remain on the right path.

    “This is a project you initiated and commenced and the governor needs all the encouragement you can give him,” he said.

    He described Umahi as a performing minister, noting that Nigeria is currently witnessing and enjoying replication of his wondrous works in Ebonyi.

  • Ebonyi workers to get N150,000 Christmas bonus

    Ebonyi workers to get N150,000 Christmas bonus

    Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi has announced a N150,000 Christmas bonus to all state civil servants as appreciation to their dedication and commitment to service.

    The announcement is contained in a statement issued on Friday in Abakaliki by Dr Monday Uzor, the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the governor.

    According to the statement, the governor announced this at a State banquet organised in honor of the visiting British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Gill Lever at the Government House Abakaliki.

    “Workers in Ebonyi State Civil service will receive N150, 000 each as 2024 Christmas bonus from the State Government.

    “The gesture is in appreciation of workers commitment to duty and their understanding during the strike action.

    “Our Workers have shown a lot of commitments and respect to us as a government.

    “During the strike action they heeded our appeal because they understood the situation of things and we are most grateful and ready to always dialogue on how to improve their welfare,” the statement read.

    The governor further directed that every worker should receive the bonus before close of work on Tuesday, Dec. 17.

    Uzor said that the governor had earlier received the British Deputy High Commissioner in his office at Ochoudo Centenary City, Abakaliki where he solicited the assistance of the British Government in the areas of Water, Health, power and education as well as Agriculture.

    “We are committed to industrialising the state; we have made progress in Ebonyi Pipe Production Company, Ebonyi State Fertilisers and Chemicals Company, Industrial Clusters, and Ebonyi State Hatchery, Nkaliki.

    “We cultivate rice in large quantities and seek your collaboration to enhance production for exportation,” the governor said.

    The statement added: “Water and sanitation are another area we have made significant progress in our quest to increase provision and access to quality water supply in the rural and urban areas.

    “We have revived the Oferekpe water scheme with the capacity to produce 100 million cubic litres of water on a daily basis.”

    Gov. Nwifuru commended the UK Foreign Office and other development partners for their active support and commitment to Nigeria’s State development.

    Earlier, the Deputy High Commissioner had expressed satisfaction with on-going development  in the state and pledged to assist considering the long standing ties between the UK and Nigeria.

  • Did the Governor err in putting his father on the throne? – By Steve Egbo

    Did the Governor err in putting his father on the throne? – By Steve Egbo

    By Steve Egbo

    A few days ago, news filtered in from the ubiquitous social media, that the Ebonyi state governor, Blder Francis Nwifuru, has made his father, Chief Ezekiel Nwifuru, the traditional ruler of his community, Ofurekpe Agbaja, in Izzi Local Government Area of the state. When I first saw it in the social media, I didn’t pay much attention, but when the event began to gain traction in the traditional media space, I felt the need to give it greater attention.

    Like every other human endeavor, reactions were mixed. Some felt it wasn’t a big deal, others saw it as nepotism taken to new heights, and for others yet, it was simply a “what the heck?” event. But we live in very interesting times where the ability and desire to scrutinize each other, especially those in positions of authority, have become rather engrossing. But whether we do this to better the system or just for the fun often stands in between.

    Otherwise, a Governor elevating his father or sibling to a position of royalty, in a remote community, somewhere in rural Izzi land, should not have attracted national attention. Neither does it, in my view, demand the opprobrium and scathing remarks it has attracted. It happens everywhere every time. Unless there was more to this. After all this is political osmosis and they often come in different garbs and contours.

    Nigerian politicians are a very powerful lot. And the state governors are on top grades. Their influence and political tentacles are so deep and encompassing they could wring water out of the proverbial stone. They have the power to confer honors, give appointments, make recommendations and dispense other perks with limitless resources.

    But in the case of Governor Nwifuru and his father’s throne, two simple, yet very important questions, would suffice.  (1) Is the elder Nwifuru qualified to hold the position of traditional ruler in his community? (2) Is he acceptable to the members of that community? If the answers to these two questions are in the affirmative, then his relationship with the governor ought not be an encumberance.

    In the comments and reactions I read, some of the complaints were that he has too many wives and children. And this is perhaps the major factor that prompted me to write this brief rejoinder. In the traditional Igbo society, three major factors qualify a man for leadership position in the community. These are :

    1. A large family
    2. A large yam barn
    3. Prowess in local wars.

    The Gen Z may not have known this fact but that was the way our ancestors structured and rated greatness. And we are nothing but the products of our ancestry. Today, inter-communal wars may no longer form part of the rules of engagement, but on the other two criteria, you can look at the senior Nwifuru and say “this was a man”.

    All over the world, family members occupying  high office contemporaniously is neither abhorrent nor particularly unknown. Two classic examples will suffice. President J F Kennedy was the president of the United States in 1962 while his younger brother, Robert was the Attorney General of the United States. Their last brother, Ted, was a senator of the United States.

    The Bush family probably outdid the Kennedys. George H W Bush Snr, served as president of the United States while his two sons, George W Jnr and Jeb were governors of Texas and Florida respectively. George W Bush Jnr later served as president of the United States. Let me just cite these two examples, but let the reader note that similar political incests have happened in other parts of the world, including here in our country.

    In as much as the governor would have moderated his speech during the event, so as not to appear coarse or patronizing, but then, Governor Nwifuru is a straight talker, who wants to say it the way he feels it. And for such straight talkers, political correctness could inexplicably become the victim. But on the whole I see nothing wrong in making his father the traditional ruler of the community as long as he meets the basic criteria for such position. It is time to allow the young man breathe.

    Steve Egbo (NILDS Abuja)

  • Gov Nwifuru presents Ebonyi 2025 budget today

    Gov Nwifuru presents Ebonyi 2025 budget today

    Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State says the 2025 Appropriation Bill of over N391 billion is ready for presentation to the State House of Assembly on Thursday, November 28.

    Nwifuru said this at the Citizen’s Budget Participation/Inputs forum held on Tuesday in Abakaliki.

    He said that there was a need to improve the state’s revenue generation and that his administration was committed to his “people’s chatter of need agenda”.

    The governor said he would focus on economic development and sustainability in the next fiscal year.

    “What we should be working towards is what to do to improve the state’s revenue generation. Budget is simply a plan for the future.

    “We must continue to work hard to set up industries and improve the economy. My administration has plan to set up vocational industrial centre in the state,” Nwifuru said.

    The Traditional Ruler of Amagu in Ikwo Local Government Area, Eze Dominic Alo, commended the governor for his economic development efforts.

    Alo also thanked the governor for his support to the traditional rulers in the state.

    The state Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Prof Egwu Ogugua, appealed to the governor to ensure speedy implementation of the National Minimum Wage for the workers.

  • Why I suspended Ebonyi health commissioner – Gov Nwifuru

    Why I suspended Ebonyi health commissioner – Gov Nwifuru

    Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has said that he suspended the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Moses Ekuma, for three months because he did not show capacity to manage the ministry.

    Nwifuru said this on Wednesday in Abakaliki, while addressing stakeholders from different sectors during the citizens’ engagement forum for the 2025 budget proposal.

    He said that the health ministry “is sick, despite having an abundance of qualified personnel.

    “When one is in a position of authority, such a person should know that it comes with lots of responsibilities.

    “People in authority should not be lackadaisical in their approach to work and should deliver on their mandates,” he said.

    He regretted that the government had invested heavily in the health sector but there was little to show for such efforts.

    “One contractor collected N3 billion to supply equipment and consumables to primary healthcare centres in the state.

    “The government also spends billions of naira to bring primary healthcare centres and general hospitals in the state to standard but there are no results,” the governor said.

    He also said that the government would constitute committees to inspect health facilities across the state.

    “We have made several interventions, such as drug revolving funds for general hospitals and this has attained 60 per cent delivery.

    “We are equipping the health facilities so that when people fall sick in the rural areas, they would receive immediate treatment before being referred to specialist hospitals,” he said.

    Nwifuru said that when the health facilities are fully rehabilitated, they would be run independently by the health officials to make them viable.

    “The doctors would generate funds to pay themselves and other health workers and generate revenue for the government.

    “The same will apply to the state broadcasting service, which will be run as a public liability company.

    “The funds the establishment generates would be used to run it and redundant staff would be redeployed to relevant ministries,” the governor said.

    He warned commissioners and other public office holders to take their duties seriously, adding that more would be sanctioned for inefficiency.

    “They have been given opportunities to realise that they have responsibilities.

    “We have spent one year and some months in office and anyone that is joking should do so in his or her house,” he said.

    Some of the stakeholders, who spoke at the forum, commended the governor for his “inclusive style of governance” and pledged their continued support to his administration.

  • Gov Nwifuru orders arrest of Ebonyi health ministry officials

    Gov Nwifuru orders arrest of Ebonyi health ministry officials

    Gov. Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi has ordered the arrest and prosecution of six state Ministry of Health members of staff for allegedly diverting materials meant for the ministry.

    Nwifuru in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Dr Monday Uzor, on Sunday ordered the arrest of one Ndukwe Ayansi and five others over the issue.

    The statement indicated that the governor while inspecting projects cited an articulated vehicle loading registers, books and other materials from the warehouse of the Ministry of Health.

    “Nwifuru stopped and made inquiries but not satisfied with answers given to him.

    “The governor probed further and discovered that patients’ data registers, cards and other documents were being moved into the vehicle. He also discovered that all the documents had been sold without government approval,” Uzor said.

    The governor, according to him, described the action as sabotage of  government’s efforts at repositioning the health sector.

    “You are selling government documents without approval on a Saturday afternoon. The state’s hospitals in the rural areas are in need of registers data entry forms and hospital cards. Unfortunately, you are selling the ones produced by the government,” he said.

    Uzor further said that the suspects had been handed over to the police while investigation continued.

  • Ebonyi: I signed 18 Executive Bills in my 1yr in office – Nwifuru

    Ebonyi: I signed 18 Executive Bills in my 1yr in office – Nwifuru

    Gov. Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi, on Friday, said he assented to 18 Executive Bills in his one year in office. Nwifuru made the disclosure in a speech at the 2024/2025 Judiciary Year celebration in Abakaliki.

    He said that his administration had so far employed at least 150 judiciary staff. He also said that the judiciary would remain the last beacon of hope, fairness and justice to all citizens.

    The governor expressed the need to uphold the integrity of the Bench “to do justice to all men without fear or favour, affection or ill-will”.

    Nwifuru described the theme of the celebration, “Law as an Instrument for Social Engineering” as apt in shaping the society.

    “I commend the organisers for echoeing the power of law, which our government wholeheartedly believes is critical to social engineering. In the context of the law, it is critical in shaping societal behavior, norms and values.

    “As social engineers, legal professionals have the power to advocate for reforms that address the pressing issues of our time, setting the foundation for a society that is equitable and just for all. The judicial arm of the government remains the only and last beacon of hope, fairness and justice  to all citizens,” he said.

    According to him, the legal profession has a vital role to play in promoting the cause of justice, protecting human rights and upholding professional standards.

    “It is for this purpose that the Government of Ebonyi has been quite responsive, supportive and understanding on many issues that affect the judiciary.

    “I want to assure you that within the limit of our resources, we shall continue to strive to improve on the welfare of our judges, magistrates and, indeed, the entire workforce of the judiciary,” the governor said.

    Earlier, the state Chief Judge (CJ), Justice Elvis Ngene, thanked the governor for his support to the development of the judiciaryand pledged more commitment to qualitative justice delivery system.

    Ngene said that 13,919 cases were pending in the High Court at the beginning of last legal year.

    “A total of 5,343 cases were filed. The cases disposed off stands at 10,250 and the pending cases at the close of the period is 9,012.

    “At the Magistrate’s Court, 4,213 cases were pending at the beginning of the period, 2,145 were filed, 2,318 were disposed off and 4,040 were pending at the end of the period under review.

    “At the Customary Court of Appeal, 893 cases were pending at the beginning of the last legal year, 71 were filed within the period.

    “A total of 86 cases were disposed off and 878 were pending at the end of the period,” the CJ said.

  • Gov Nwifuru approves new minimum wage payment for Ebonyi workers

    Gov Nwifuru approves new minimum wage payment for Ebonyi workers

    Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has approved the payment of N75,000 minimum wage to civil servants in the State.

    The announcement is contained in a statement signed  by Mr Monday Uzor, Chief Press Secretary to the governor, in Abakaliki on Sunday.

    Nwifuru said that implementation of the new minimum wage would commence on Monday.

    The governor said the decision followed a careful review of the current economic situation in the country, especially as it affects the workers.

    According to him, the least paid civil servant on grade level 2 will enjoy a full minimum wage of 75,000 while from grade level 3 and above will get an increment of 40,000 across board.

    He also announced the appointments of Dr Obinna Ezenkwa and Mr Uchenna Otuh, as general managers to pilot affairs of Umuoghara Pulverization Plant and Ezzamgbo pipe production factory respectively.

    He said their appointment was in line with the state government’s desire to bring in expertise to drive the industries.

    He urged them to bring their expertise to bear in the service and called on stakeholders to support the new appointees to prosper the state.

  • I will never fight my successor – Umahi

    I will never fight my successor – Umahi

    Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi has said he will never fight his successor, Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Senator Umahi said this in Abakaliki on Thursday while speaking with newsmen.

    Umahi said this while disclosing that most people he helped to power during the 2023 general elections now avoid him.

    The Minister said that even National Assembly members whom he helped to power were among those that now avoid him, adding that he was not disturbed by their behaviour.

    “It is only Chief Onyekachi Nwebonyi that will openly acknowledge that I am his father and boss.

    “The others feel that by doing so, the state governor, my successor, will be angry with them.

    “The governor cannot do that because he too openly acknowledges that I was instrumental to his emergence,” he said.

    He said that the development made him stop having political godsons but has opted for political friends.

    “I will fight anybody who makes trouble with the governor because he deserves our respect. I have done my bit, have left the stage and have to respect myself,” he said.

    Umahi said usually there were crisis between the predecessors and successors, adding that “I am however not available for such because I have been so blessed in life by God.

    “There are always pathways to successes and failures and when you dig for someone to fail, you have already failed,” he said.

    The Minister vowed to stick with Nwifuru for eight years and thanked God for giving the governor the grace to unite all leaders of the State.

    “The issue of the leaders staying together for long is not our business but I have known the governor for 16 years and will continue to support him.

    “I will never regret making him my successor as he, alongside few others, stood with me during the hard decision of defecting to the APC,” he said.