The Ebonyi State Government has declared that Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru will remain focused on governance and will not be distracted by what it described as political theatrics, sponsored attacks and poorly coordinated protests ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Chief Ikeuwa Omebeh, stated this in a statement issued in Abakaliki, while reacting to recent media narratives and protests directed at the administration.
Omebeh accused unnamed political interests of attempting to substitute propaganda for facts and divert public attention from the development programmes of the Nwifuru administration.
He urged Ebonyians to disregard what he described as orchestrated distractions, insisting that the governor remained committed to the implementation of his administration’s People’s Charter of Needs agenda.
The commissioner acknowledged the constitutional right of citizens to peaceful protest and legitimate criticism, but cautioned that such rights should not be abused to deliberately mislead the public, create tension or undermine the state.
“Governor Nwifuru remains focused, undistracted and committed to delivering on his mandate. His Excellency will not be distracted by political theatrics, sponsored attacks or attempts to divert his attention from the task of building a more prosperous, peaceful and developed Ebonyi State,” Omebeh said.
According to him, recent media publications, social media narratives and protests appeared designed to draw attention away from the administration’s activities in infrastructure, education, healthcare, workers’ welfare, rural development, human capital development and empowerment.
Omebeh said the government’s development philosophy remained anchored on the People’s Charter of Needs, which places the interests, aspirations and welfare of Ebonyians at the centre of governance.
He challenged critics of the administration to substantiate their allegations with facts and allow citizens to assess the government based on projects and programmes across the state.
“Let the people visit the communities, inspect the projects and speak directly with the beneficiaries of government programmes. The evidence of governance is visible across the State,” he said.
The commissioner noted that political opposition was an expected feature of democracy but maintained that constructive criticism should not be replaced with misinformation or politically motivated attacks.
He said the state government remained open to legitimate criticism and constructive suggestions, stressing that public criticism should be based on facts, patriotism and genuine concern for the common good.
Omebeh also urged youths in the state not to allow themselves to be used as instruments in political activities capable of destabilising Ebonyi or distracting the government from its responsibilities.
He called for unity and development-focused engagement, saying the state needed constructive dialogue rather than what he described as manufactured controversies capable of undermining public confidence.
“Development is not measured by the volume of criticism it generates, but by its impact on the lives of the people,” Omebeh said.
He further urged Ebonyians to judge the Nwifuru administration by its record and the impact of its programmes, including road construction, rehabilitation of schools and healthcare facilities, improved workers’ welfare, rural development and empowerment initiatives.
The commissioner assured residents that Governor Nwifuru would remain focused on governance despite increasing political activities ahead of 2027, adding that the administration would continue to pursue programmes aimed at improving the welfare and living conditions of citizens.
“Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru remains focused on governance. Ebonyi remains focused on development. And the people remain the ultimate beneficiaries,” he said.
