Nwifuru Disappointed as Nominee Rejects  Ebonyi Economic Team Job

Benjamin Nworie in Abakaliki

Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has expressed disappointment with his nominee and 2023 Labour Party candidate for Abakaliki/Izzi federal constituency,  Emmanuel Ezeh, for rejecting the membership of the newly inaugurated Ebonyi Economic Team.

In a statement issued by the governor’s Special Assistant on New Media, Leo Ekene Oketa, the governor noted that “history would remember those who built bridges, not those who walked away from them.”

The nominee, in his letter addressed to the governor, faulted the timing of the appointment as late, despite the fact that he had advised the governor on the need to constitute the Economic Team about two years ago.

However, in a swift reaction, the governor noted that Ezeh’s argument was fundamentally flawed as economic reforms and strategic development are long-term processes, not tied to political calendars.

According to the governor, “In a disappointing but telling development, my beloved brother, Emmanuel Ezeh (IMMACULATE), appointed to the newly inaugurated Ebonyi State Economic Team by Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has declined the appointment, citing the timing of the team’s constitution, two years into the governor’s tenure, and quite evidently, political affiliation.

“This decision, while within his rights, reveals a troubling mindset that places personal and partisan interest above the collective good of the people. At a time when leaders should rise above party lines to build a better future for Ebonyi State, this kind of political posturing is both regrettable and shortsighted.

“Governance is about service, not sides. The governor’s decision to appoint individuals across states, political, and professional divides was a deliberate gesture of unity and inclusion.

“It was a statesmanlike move to assemble a team of technocrats and patriots, not politicians, who can contribute meaningfully to the long-term industrialization and economic transformation of the state.

“By declining the offer, he has missed a noble opportunity to serve and to be part of something larger than personal or party identity, to put Ebonyi first.

“The timing argument falls flat. Some critics in this media space have attempted to use the timing of the team’s inauguration – two years into the governor’s term- as a basis for rejecting the initiative.

“This argument is fundamentally flawed. Economic reforms and strategic development are long-term processes, not tied to political calendars. Governor Nwifuru chose the right time, after stabilizing key areas of governance and delivering immediate needs to the people, to now launch a forward-looking economic agenda that will outlive his administration. It is both prudent and strategic, not late.”

The governor had inaugurated a 15-member Economic Committee to drive industrialisation in the state.

The committee, headed by former Minister of Power, Prof. Barth Nnaji, is made up of Economists, Industrialists, and technocrats.

Members include Chief Ben Oka, Chief Mrs. Augustina Nwaoma Ekuma, Dr. Joe Abah, High Chief Ituma Chukwuemeka Enviable, Gen. Abel Obi Umahi, Chief Chibuike Orogwu, and Chief Dominic Nwibo.

Others are Chief Elechi Innocent Ojiugwo,  Anayo Omoke, Dr. Mark Abani, High Chief Ifeanyi Clement Okorie, Dr. Edward Nkwegu,  Mr. Mike Chukwu, while  Associate Prof. Ben Uruchi Odoh is to serve as the secretary.

In his charge, Governor Nwifuru explained that to address erratic power supply, harness solid minerals, and assist in the industrialisation drive is the philosophy behind the formation of the committee..

He called on the members to use their wealth of experience in the discharge of the assignment.

“People will commend us for bringing industrialists, technocrats to guide us in the development of our dear state. We are badly challenged. And that is why we must sit down and bring people to guide us. Our manifesto is christened the People’s Charter of Needs.

“We want to industrialise this state. We want to show the world that we have what it takes to do business,” he stated.

The governor particularly requested the committee to guide the government on how to activate NIGERCEM and establish another cement factory.

Nwifuru said: “And also, we are called Salt of the Nation, but we don’t have where we produce salt anywhere in Ebonyi State. We need to establish a Salt production factory.

“We have the issue of power, and I am happy the chairman was a former Minister of Power. We are the only state without the required energy for industrialisation. We want you to address the issue of power through your recommendations.”

The post Nwifuru Disappointed as Nominee Rejects  Ebonyi Economic Team Job appeared first on THISDAYLIVE.

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    Chuks Okocha in Abuja 

    The Obidient Movement, the political arm of the Peter Obi presidential campaign, has expressed worries over whether the coalition party, African Democratic Congress (ADC) will zone its presidential ticket and offices of the party.

    The Obidients also said that it became more worried over the ultimatum given to Obi to officially declare for the coalition party in view of agreements that Obi will do so after some off-season elections that he is committed to before the birth of the coalition party.

    A statement by the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Dr. Tanko Yunusa, said, ”As the Obidient Movement, being part of the main consulting bloc, we are particularly concerned about how the party intends to zone its presidential ticket. Considering that the presidency is currently held by the South, issues of equity and fairness must guide such decisions if the party truly aims to secure victory in the 2027 elections.

    ”We are equally interested in how the party zones its principal offices within the coalition, as this will ensure justice, fairness, and inclusivity — factors that will enable us to mobilise effectively across the country,” Yunusa said.

    The statement further said, ”It must be emphasised that H.E. Peter Obi is not desperate to be President of Nigeria. His ultimate mission is to see Nigeria work — to lift people out of poverty, to improve the economy, education, healthcare, and security. 

    “These were the reasons he joined the coalition in the first place targeted towards good governance which are the core values of the Obidient Movement,” Yunusa added.

    The statement further read, ”Our attention has been drawn to the recent statement released by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) concerning the resolutions of the coalition and our role within it.

    ”We wish to restate our position clearly. While we remain fully committed to the vision of the Coalition and acknowledge the adoption of the ADC as the coalition platform, it is on record that His Excellency Mr. Peter Obi aligned with the coalition’s position after the Anambra State Governorship Election, extending to the 2027 eeneral elections. 

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    Chuks Okocha in Abuja  The Obidient Movement, the political arm of the Peter Obi presidential campaign, has expressed worries over whether the coalition party, African Democratic Congress (ADC) will zone its presidential ticket and

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    The Minister of Environment, Mallam Balarabe Lawal, has commended the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for its commitment to sustained developmental strides and effort towards addressing the long-standing infrastructural gaps in Niger Delta communities.

    The minister made the commendation during a stakeholders’ engagement forum on Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), in Port Harcourt, for proposed road projects in Rivers State.

    The forum, held in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Environment and the Rivers State Ministry of Environment, focused on three critical projects: The construction of a 4km Bonny Internal Road in Degema and Bonny Local Government Areas; the construction of Luebe-Agbani -Lueku Road in Khana LGA; and the construction of 6 km Egelebia Road, Phase 2, in George-Ama, Okrika LGA.

    Represented by an Environmental and Chemical Engineer in the Ministry of Environment, Manji Justine, the minister extolled the NDDC for subjecting the proposed projects to the provisions of the Environmental Impact Assessment Act, before commencement.

    He said, “We are not here to stop the project but to ensure it aligns with environmental laws to protect the future and guarantee sustainability. Once approval is granted, the ministry, along with the state government and affected communities, will monitor the projects through baseline data collection and post-construction site assessments.”

    He highlighted the importance of incorporating proper drainage systems to mitigate flooding and stressed the need for covered drainage channels in residential areas to prevent waste dumping and blockages.

    According to him, “The NDDC has taken a bold and commendable step by addressing road infrastructure gaps that have long affected these communities. Every identified impact in the EIA process must have a mitigation strategy.”

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    “It’s only through such engagements that we can understand the full social and environmental implications of these projects. The feedback so far shows overwhelming community support and a clear understanding of the project’s benefits,” he said.

    He noted that the forum confirmed no objections from the communities and that the positive impacts significantly outweigh the negatives. He assured stakeholders that the NDDC would ensure the successful completion of the projects.

    In her remarks, the NDDC Deputy Director, Environmental Protection and Control, Dr. Ukpe Eno, underscored the importance of stakeholder engagement in driving sustainable development.

    Head of the Dokube Royal House in Okrika, Chief Godknows Tam-George, expressed appreciation to the NDDC and its Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, for initiating the projects.

    “For years, Egedeme lacked basic infrastructure. Within a short period under the current NDDC leadership, we’ve received a 2km road, a 6km road, and a water project. These are life-changing developments,” he said.

    In his speech, the Paramount Ruler of Baa-Lueku, Chief Samson Barilugbene Obrien, praised the project’s potential to enhance economic opportunities.

     “This road will bridge the gap between our community and others. It will open up access for trade, ease transportation, and serve as a vital link to Akwa Ibom via Aba,” he noted.

    ​  

    Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt  The Minister of Environment, Mallam Balarabe Lawal, has commended the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for its commitment to sustained developmental strides and effort towards addressing

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