A member representing Ikwo/Ezza South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Chinedu Ogah, has issued a 21-day ultimatum to a coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) to retract and apologise for a statement accusing the Ebonyi State Government of poor governance over the state’s inability to qualify for the World Bank-supported HOPE Governance Programme Performance-Based Incentive Grant.
Ogah described the allegations against the administration of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru as false, misleading and politically motivated, warning that failure to withdraw the publication within the stipulated period could result in legal action.
The lawmaker was reacting to a statement by the coalition, which alleged that Ebonyi State lost the opportunity to access about 27 million dollars under the World Bank programme after failing to meet governance and public financial management requirements.
According to the coalition, the state failed to publish key fiscal documents within the prescribed timelines, including its budget, citizens’ budgets and financial reports, leading to its disqualification from the performance-based incentive grant. The group argued that the development reflected shortcomings in fiscal transparency, budget implementation and public financial management, and called on the government to strengthen governance reforms and accountability.
However, in a statement issued through his media office, Ogah defended Governor Nwifuru’s administration, insisting that the governor had demonstrated prudence, transparency and fiscal discipline since assuming office.
He maintained that the administration had not obtained loans from any local or foreign financial institution but had instead paid approximately 80 per cent of debts inherited from previous administrations.
The federal lawmaker further highlighted the government’s efforts at economic diversification, citing the ongoing development of the Industrial City in Ezzamgbo, the rehabilitation of Nigercem and investments designed to create employment opportunities for young people across the state.
Ogah also commended the administration’s commitment to human capital development and improved welfare for residents, stating that its achievements deserved recognition rather than criticism.
“Governor Francis Nwifuru has been prudent in the management of Ebonyi State’s resources since he assumed office. He has not borrowed money from any local or foreign bank. Rather, he has paid about 80 per cent of the debts incurred by previous administrations,” he said.
He accused the civil society groups of acting on behalf of political opponents to discredit the state government.
“We humbly wish to ask Charles Otu and Prof. Joseph Agbo, whom the opposition is using, to show us any bank where Governor Nwifuru has borrowed money since becoming governor,” Ogah stated.
he lawmaker further asserted that security had improved under the current administration and urged the critics to verify their claims with the Debt Management Office before making public statements.
“Since Governor Nwifuru came on board, insecurity has reduced and the welfare of Ebonyi people remains his priority. They should consult the Debt Management Office before speaking. They should also visit rural communities to see the projects the governor is executing before criticising his administration,” he added.
Ogah warned that the coalition must retract the publication and apologise to Governor Nwifuru within 21 days or face possible legal consequences.
“I am giving them 21 days to retract those false allegations against the Ebonyi State Government and apologise to the governor. Some people allow their political interests to push them into destroying the image of Ebonyi State through false publications and cyberbullying. They should withdraw the statement and apologise,” he said.
