Ebonyi Govt Urges Citizens to Ignore ‘Sponsored’ Attacks, Protests Against Nwifuru

By Uchenna Okah, Abakaliki

The Ebonyi State Government has urged residents to disregard what it described as “sponsored narratives, media attacks and staged protests” allegedly targeted at Governor Francis Nwifuru and his administration.

The government, while acknowledging the constitutional right of citizens to express their views and participate in peaceful protests, said such rights should not be exploited to mislead the public, create unnecessary tension or undermine the development efforts of the state.

Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Barr. Chief Ikeuwa Omebeh, stated this in a statement issued in Abakaliki on Wednesday.

Omebeh urged Ebonyians to remain calm and discerning, arguing that some of the recent negative narratives against the administration were not supported by facts or evidence of the realities on the ground.

According to him, Nwifuru’s administration since assuming office has demonstrated commitment to the welfare and development of the state through investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, human capital development, workers’ welfare, rural development, empowerment programmes and other social interventions.

He said the administration’s programmes were anchored on the “People’s Charter of Needs,” which, he noted, places the aspirations, interests and welfare of the people at the centre of governance.

The commissioner acknowledged that an administration implementing projects and programmes across the state could attract political opposition, but insisted that opposition should not degenerate into what he described as propaganda and politically motivated attacks.

He said the government was particularly concerned that some of the recent narratives appeared designed to distract residents from ongoing development projects, including road construction, rehabilitation of schools and healthcare facilities, workers’ welfare initiatives, rural development and empowerment programmes.

Omebeh urged Ebonyians to assess the administration based on its record and impact rather than social media narratives, calling on residents to visit project sites and communities and interact directly with beneficiaries of government programmes.

“Development is not measured by the volume of criticism it generates, but by its impact on the lives of the people,” he said.

The commissioner also assured the people that Governor Nwifuru remained focused on delivering on his mandate and would not be distracted by what he described as political theatrics, sponsored attacks or attempts to divert his attention from governance.

He called for unity, constructive engagement and development-focused criticism, saying Ebonyi needed collective efforts to consolidate its development rather than controversies capable of undermining public confidence.

According to him, the government remains open to legitimate criticism and constructive suggestions, stressing that criticism must, however, be based on facts, patriotism and genuine concern for the common good.

Omebeh particularly appealed to the youths of the state to remain discerning and avoid being used as instruments by individuals whose interests, he alleged, might differ from the collective interest of Ebonyi.

He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to governance and development, urging residents to remain united in the pursuit of a more prosperous and peaceful Ebonyi State.