By Isaac Mission
The member representing Ikwo/Ezza South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Chinedu Ogah, has criticised businessman and socialite Paschal Okechukwu Chibuike, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, over his comments about Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru.
Ogah, who spoke to journalists in Abakaliki on Friday, demanded that the socialite withdraw the remarks and apologise to the people of Ebonyi State, warning that legal action could follow if he failed to do so.
Cubana Chief Priest had reportedly called on Governor Nwifuru to resign, citing what he described as poor performance by the state administration.
Reacting to the comments, Ogah questioned the socialite’s authority to speak on behalf of Ebonyians or demand the resignation of an elected governor.
The lawmaker argued that criticism of the governor amounted to an affront not only to Nwifuru but also to the people of the state and their political representatives.
Ogah also challenged Cubana Chief Priest to demonstrate his political influence, pointing to his previous attempt to pursue an elective position in Imo State.
He questioned why the socialite should seek to influence political affairs in Ebonyi despite having no electoral mandate in the state.
Beyond the political disagreement, Ogah called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to examine Cubana Chief Priest’s business dealings and financial activities.
The lawmaker urged the anti-graft agency to scrutinise his bank accounts and other financial transactions, although no finding of wrongdoing was established in the remarks.
Ogah further alleged that some political interests were sponsoring campaigns against the Nwifuru administration in an attempt to weaken the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 elections.
According to him, such actions could have wider implications for President Bola Tinubu’s political prospects in the South-East, given Nwifuru’s position as one of the President’s allies in the region.
The lawmaker also accused former Ebonyi State governor Charles Otu of allegedly mobilising people from outside the state for a protest against the current administration in Abuja.
Ogah claimed that some of those involved in the demonstration were from other parts of Nigeria and were presented as Ebonyians. He said his lawyers had previously petitioned the Department of State Services (DSS) over allegations involving Otu and called for the matter to be investigated.
Defending the Nwifuru administration, Ogah cited government initiatives in education, infrastructure and human capital development as evidence of its performance.
He highlighted scholarship programmes for Ebonyi indigenes, including postgraduate opportunities within and outside Nigeria, as well as ongoing road and school construction projects across the state's 13 local government areas.
Ogah also praised what he described as the governor’s tolerance towards opposition politicians, arguing that political disagreements should be settled through democratic and legal channels rather than media attacks or protests.
He maintained that Nwifuru remained an important political figure in Ebonyi and a key stakeholder in the APC’s preparations for the 2027 elections.
The federal lawmaker warned against what he described as attempts to destabilise the state through misinformation and political mobilisation, urging relevant authorities to investigate any allegations brought before them.
Ogah said he would continue to pursue lawful means to protect the interests of his constituents and Ebonyi State.
