The malicious statement released by the 2023 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ebonyi state, Chukwuma Odii, accusing Governor Francis Nwifuru of wasteful spending and poor governance, is a deliberate attempt to undermine the transformative agenda of this administration. It is for this reason that we, The Ebonyi Progressive Forum, has decided to counter these baseless accusations with facts and highlight the numerous benefits of the governor’s policies and projects that are shaping the future of Ebonyi state.
On The Investment in The Chuba Okadigbo Airport
Contrary to the mischievous and baseless claim of “wasteful spending,” the investment in Chuba Okadigbo Airport demonstrates Governor Nwifuru’s commitment to building a sustainable and globally competitive Ebonyi state and improving the economic viability of the South-east. While it is true that the previous administration had done 90% of the initial construction of the airport, the recent rehabilitation and upgrading of the runway by Governor Nwifuru were necessary to bring the airport to international standards, attract investors, and position the state as an economic hub. This is particularly so, since the airport had fallen in decay, with the terminal and the tarmac becoming dilapidated.
It is truly shameful that Chukwuma Odii cannot comprehend the strategic importance of hosting dignitaries like the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, to commission the reopening of the airport, thereby bringing national and international spotlight to Ebonyi state. Chukwuma Odii, due to his bitterness and shortsightedness, cannot cognitively deduce that the airport will bring economic growth through the landing of cargoes and an increase in the movement of goods and services, and also opening up the state for tourism and business opportunities.
Renovating and reopening the airport as the yuletide season draws near is a visionary and strategic move on the part of Governor Nwifuru, but, of course, expecting the likes of Chukwuma Odii to understand this is like expecting a pig to understand the importance of cleanliness.
On Economic and Infrastructural Development
The assertion by the garrulous and clueless Chukwuma Odii that Ebonyi’s economy and infrastructure have taken a nosedive since May 29, 2023, is not only untrue but disingenuous. Governor Nwifuru has embarked on critical projects aimed at addressing the state’s infrastructure deficit. These include ongoing road rehabilitation projects with asphalt to make the crumbling cement roads more durable and enhance its aesthetics, urban renewal programmes, and support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to create jobs and empower the people, like the direct beneficiary support transfer of N1 million to about 3 million Eboyians.
The Nwifuru administration has prioritised the completion of key projects initiated by the previous administration while launching new initiatives that align with the needs of the people like the construction of affordable housing units, construction of duplex for all traditional rulers in Ebonyi state to upgrade their palaces. Also, there is the rehabilitation of 177.81 km of roads to link all the economically strategic areas in the state to boost agriculture and mining activities, the construction of 700 km roads in the three senatorial districts, and the establishment of the Ministry of Grants and Donors to support humanitarian initiatives in the state aimed at enhancing the quality of life of the people of Ebonyi state, to mention but a few. These efforts are already creating visible economic impact and setting the stage for sustainable development in line with the UN SDGs, but, of course, expecting Chukwuma Odii to comprehend the strategic benefits of these projects will be like asking a goat to understand rocket science.
On Tackling Poverty and Unemployment
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) report, cited in the statement by Chukwuma Odii, ignores two facts:
- A comparison of NBS statistics for Ebonyi today with NBS statistics for Ebonyi state previously. A simple search will show that statistically, indices for Ebonyi state in education, infrastructure, economy, good governance have all improved compared to what was the reality in the past. This has caused the change in perception of Ebonyi state as a backward enclave to a rapidly developing state.
- The proactive measures the Nwifuru administration is taking to reduce poverty: Programmes such as youth empowerment schemes, agricultural development initiatives, and skill acquisition centers have been launched to address unemployment and build human capital. The administration’s commitment to agriculture as a means of poverty alleviation is evident in the distribution of farm inputs to farmers and the promotion of cooperative societies to boost productivity.
If Chukwuma Odii cannot understand these basic indices, why then is he running for governor? How will he be able to handle the task of governance if he cannot understand or comprehend basic things like statistical comparison? Truly, Ebonyi state dodged a bullet by rejecting Chukwuma Odii at the poll because he would have been a disaster and embarrassment as a governor.
Debt Management and Fiscal Responsibility
While Chukwuma Odii references Ebonyi’s debt figures, he either conveniently ignored or is truly incapable of understanding the context that a significant portion of the state’s debt is inherited from previous administrations and tied to infrastructural investments that have long-term benefits. Governor Nwifuru inherited debts from previous administrations, but rather than whining about it, he went to work to prudently manage the state’s resources by ensuring that every kobo spent delivers measurable value to the people. By developing the state into a major economic hub in the South-east, Governor Nwifuru is positioning the state to be able to repay its inherited debts.
Furthermore, the governor’s focus on revenue generation through improved taxation systems that are digitalised and efficient, and modeled on public-private partnerships will reduce the debt burden while enabling the government to meet its obligations effectively.
On Sanitation and Environmental Protection
The mischievous Chukwuma Odii’s characterisation of Abakaliki as being overrun by garbage is a misrepresentation. Governor Nwifuru has taken decisive action to address sanitation challenges by partnering with private sector players to improve waste management systems. Plans are underway to roll out a comprehensive environmental sanitation policy that will ensure a cleaner, healthier environment for all residents. Also, Governor Nwifuru has brought motorists sanity to the state, as everyone, including the governor’s convoy, obeys traffic lights and rules. Ebonyi is probably the only state in Nigeria where no one beats traffic lights, including government convoys.
On Healthcare and Water Supply
The recruitment of medical officers and health workers is evidence of the administration’s commitment to improving healthcare services. Efforts are ongoing to equip general hospitals and primary healthcare centers with the necessary tools and consumables.
On water supply, the administration is already engaging stakeholders to implement sustainable water projects, including the construction of new boreholes and rehabilitation of existing water systems. These efforts will reduce dependence on private water sources and improve access to clean drinking water.
Security and Transportation
The claims about harassment by vigilantes and lack of transport systems are completely false, misleading and spiteful. The Nwifuru administration has taken steps to enhance security through community policing and has also efficiently secured the state to the point of stopping the enforcement of Sit-at-home on Mondays in the state. In the same vein, the governor has reviewed existing transport policies to provide affordable and efficient transportation for residents. Buses have been procured by the government to boost public transport system that addresses the mobility needs of the people. Also, according to reliable sources, the government has bought aircraft to start its own airline services, thereby becoming the second state after Akwa Ibom to have a state carrier.
Our Final Thoughts
Governor Nwifuru is what we prayed for. He is delivering on all his campaign promises and every honest Ebonyian can attest to these deliverables. This administration remains committed to transparency, accountability, and delivering on its mandate to uplift the lives of Ebonyi’s residents. The people of Ebonyi can be assured that Governor Nwifuru’s vision will transform the state into a beacon of progress and prosperity, and it is for these reasons that we, the Ebonyi Progressive Forum, stand firmly with the governor and support him against ferocious scavengers and societal menace like Chukwuma Odii.
Nkwegu Nwangbo Nwazuphu (NNN), Chairman, Ebonyi Progressive Forum