The Ebonyi State Government has appealed to the public to remain calm and avoid premature conclusions following the circulation of a viral video showing an unfortunate incident involving a member of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru’s convoy.I
n a statement issued on Thursday, the Governor’s Special Assistant on New Media, Leo Ekene Oketa, expressed sympathy for everyone affected by the incident, particularly the injured advance rider, while expressing gratitude that no lives were lost.
“Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the incident. We wish the injured advance rider a full and speedy recovery and are grateful that no lives were lost,” the statement read.
The government noted that while the video has attracted widespread public attention and reactions on social media, short video clips often present only a limited view of events and may not accurately reflect the full sequence of what transpired.I
t therefore urged members of the public to exercise restraint and allow a thorough review of the incident before drawing conclusions.
The statement further explained the operational importance of official convoys and emergency response vehicles, emphasizing that they are designed to ensure public safety and facilitate the uninterrupted discharge of essential government and emergency responsibilities.
According to the government, emergency vehicles such as ambulances, fire service trucks, security convoys, and other authorized responders often operate under time-sensitive conditions where every second counts in preserving lives, maintaining security, and ensuring public order.
It stressed that motorists are legally required to obey lawful traffic directives issued by police officers and other authorized traffic officials. Advance riders and convoy personnel, it added, are deployed to warn road users, secure intersections when necessary, and create safe passage—not only for the principal but also to reduce the risk of accidents involving both convoy personnel and members of the public
.Reaffirming the administration’s commitment to public safety, the government stated that Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has consistently upheld professionalism, respect for the rule of law, and the protection of human life as guiding principles of governance.
“As the circumstances surrounding this incident continue to be reviewed, we appeal to all road users to remain vigilant, obey lawful traffic directives, and show patience whenever they encounter ambulances, fire service vehicles, security convoys, or any authorized emergency response vehicle. A few moments of caution and cooperation can save lives,” the statement added.
The government concluded by reminding residents that road safety is a shared responsibility, urging all road users to prioritize caution and cooperation to prevent avoidable tragedies.
“Every life matters,” the statement emphasized.
