…Says Ebonyi Is Not For Sale
By Abraham Ovuoba
Ebonyi State Governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has issued a stern warning to those using President Tinubu’s name to cause division and political tension in the state, saying anyone who violates the law will face the consequences.
The Governor was speaking during the APC grand endorsement rally of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Inauguration of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors in Abakaliki, the capital of Ebonyi State on Monday.
While emphasizing that gathering was to send a clear message that Ebonyi remains firmly in the All Progressives Congress (APC) and fully supports President Tinubu’s re-election, Gov Nwifuru noted that the President did not ceded the state to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its allies.
“Some people are going around saying they discussed with Mr. President and that he has given Ebonyi to the PDP. They even claim that their leader, Nyesom Wike, told them that the President has handed Ebonyi over to him. Ebonyi is not for sale”- Nwifuru said.
The governor warned against attempts to intimidate the APC in the state, insisting the party would not be bullied, while affirming that opposition parties were free to operate within the law but would face consequences for any violations.
“As your governor, are we afraid? We are only restraining ourselves because our people are with us. Nobody should push us because we have all it takes,” he declared.
“We will allow them to campaign because it is their constitutional right. We will not stop anybody from making statements, but we will monitor their statements and anyone whose actions contradict the law will face the law,” he stated.
The Governor attributed Ebonyi’s support for President Tinubu to what he described as the President’s practical commitment to the development of the state and the entire South-East region.
He commended Tinubu for appointing a South-Easterner as Minister of Works and initiating major infrastructure projects in Ebonyi, and described the feat as unprecedented.
The governor also praised the President for supporting the South-East to produce the Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum in the person of Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, despite the region having only two APC governors at the time.
According to him, the gesture demonstrated that the President had the interest of the South-East at heart and deserved the people’s continued support.
Gov Nwifuru assured the APC National Chairman, Prof Nentawe Yilwatda, and other members of the National Working Committee that Ebonyi people would remain loyal to the party and President Tinubu.
He also expressed gratitude to the people of the state for the massive turnout at the rally, and pledged not to disappoint the party that nurtured and entrusted him with leadership.
“This party built me, moulded me and handed this state over to me. I will never disappoint the party, and I will never disappoint Ebonyi people,” the governor said.
The event recorded a large turnout of political heavyweights, including the Governors of Imo and Anambra States, while Enugu State was represented by its Deputy Governor. Others in attendance included the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, and Senator Anyim Pius Anyim.
