By Isaac Mission
The Ebonyi State Government has dismissed recent protests, media reports and political criticisms against Governor Francis Nwifuru, saying the administration will remain focused on governance ahead of the 2027 elections.
The state Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Chief Ikeuwa Omebeh, made this known in a statement released in Abakaliki on Wednesday.
Omebeh alleged that certain political interests were behind what he described as coordinated attacks and attempts to divert attention from the government’s development programmes.
He urged residents to disregard what he called politically motivated distractions, maintaining that Nwifuru remained committed to implementing the administration’s People’s Charter of Needs agenda.
The commissioner acknowledged the constitutional rights of citizens to peaceful protests and legitimate criticism but cautioned against using such rights to spread misinformation, heighten tension or mislead members of the public.
He said the governor would not allow political activities to take his attention away from the responsibility of improving the state.
“Governor Nwifuru remains focused, undistracted and committed to delivering on his mandate,” Omebeh stated, adding that the administration would continue working towards a more peaceful, prosperous and developed Ebonyi.
According to him, recent narratives in the media and on social media, as well as some protests, appeared intended to overshadow the government’s activities in areas including infrastructure, education, healthcare, workers’ welfare, rural development, human capital development and empowerment.
Omebeh challenged those questioning the administration’s performance to rely on verifiable evidence, urging them to visit communities and assess government projects and programmes firsthand.
He maintained that residents should be allowed to judge the government based on its tangible achievements and the effect of its policies on their lives.
While acknowledging that opposition and criticism were part of democratic governance, the commissioner said political disagreements should be based on facts rather than misinformation or attacks motivated by political interests.
He added that the state government remained willing to listen to constructive criticism and suggestions, provided they were driven by patriotism and the interest of Ebonyi residents.
Omebeh also appealed to young people in the state not to allow themselves to be used for activities capable of creating instability or disrupting the peace.
He stressed that Ebonyi needed unity and constructive engagement to sustain its development, rather than controversies that could undermine public confidence.
The commissioner further argued that the success of a government should be judged by the improvements it delivers to citizens rather than the amount of criticism it attracts.
He assured residents that Governor Nwifuru would continue to concentrate on governance and pursue initiatives aimed at improving the welfare and living conditions of people across the state.