2027: Gov. Nwifuru not like those that make empty political promises – Oketa insists

By Uchenna Okeh, Abakaliki 

The Special Assistant to the governor of Ebonyi State on New Media, Leo Ekene Oketa has insisted that the governor Francis Nwifuru is not like those that make empty political promises.

He said that the governor, Nwifuru, since assumption of office in 2023 has continued to fulfill all his promises to the people of the state.

Oketa in a statement tittled: “RESTORING DIGNITY, JUSTICE AND HONOUR IN SERVICE, ONE GRATUITY AT A TIME” which he personally signed and issued to newsmen in Abakaliki, capital of Ebonyi State, applauded the governor for keeping to his People’s Charter of Needs, manifesto.

The statement reads in part: “Again, let me say, that in an era where political promises are often made and forgotten, Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has proven to be a man of his word, driven not by mere rhetoric, but by action rooted in empathy and responsibility. 

“One of his earliest and most impactful decisions upon assuming office was the payment of long-overdue gratuities to retired civil servants of the Ebonyi State Government, stretching back as far as 1996 till date. 

“For many who had waited for decades, that intervention was nothing short of a resurrection – restoring dignity, rekindling hope, and in many cases, literally saving lives.

“Now, in a continuation of that bold and compassionate vision, Governor Nwifuru has again demonstrated his unwavering commitment to the welfare of the people by releasing funds to the Ebonyi State Pensions Board, as confirmed by the Executive Secretary of the Board – Emeka Nwonu. 

“This time, aimed at enabling the commencement of gratuity payments to retirees of the Ebonyi State Local Government system, also from 1996 to date. 

“A committee, chaired by Her Excellency, Chief Mrs Catherine Ogbu, has been tasked with this noble responsibility – ensuring that those who served our state at the grassroots level receive what is rightfully theirs.

“This initiative is not merely about financial settlements. It is a profound acknowledgment of years of service, a symbolic embrace of those who dedicated their youth and strength to the growth and development of our dear state. 

“It is about restoring faith in governance, and more importantly, about restoring justice to those who were once forgotten.

“Governor Nwifuru’s actions are firmly rooted in his guiding blueprint – The People’s Charter of Needs, a manifesto that placed the people at the center of governance. 

“The offsetting of these gratuities is not an afterthought or a political gimmick; it is a deliberate, strategic fulfillment of his campaign promises. 

“In doing so, he is redefining leadership, not as a position of power, but as a platform for healing, service, and impact.

“For the thousands of retirees – some now aged, frail, and weary, this is more than a policy; it is a miracle. It is a moment they feared might never come, now made real by a governor who chose to listen to their cries. 

“Families will be rebuilt, medical bills paid, and dreams rekindled. The weight of uncertainty that has long hung over these citizens is finally being lifted.

“As we commend the Governor for this remarkable feat, we also extend our gratitude to the committee under Chief Mrs Catherine Ogbu for accepting this noble task with grace and seriousness.

“We urge that the process be handled with transparency, compassion, and speed, just like the one done earlier led by Prof. Mrs. Adeline Idike, ensuring that every retiree is reached without delay or discrimination.

“Ebonyi State is witnessing a new dawn – one where leadership wears a human face, and where promises are not just made, but fulfilled. 

“Governor Nwifuru has not only paid gratuities; he has paid respect. He has written a new chapter in the story of Ebonyi – a chapter that tells of a leader who saw the people, heard their needs, and responded with action.

“Indeed, The People’s Charter of Needs is no longer just a document; it is alive in the policies, priorities, and practices of this administration. 

“To know that the Governor has achieved this in a little over two years in office, is simply phenomenal. And for that, we say: Thank you, Your Excellency. History will remember you kindly” he stressed.