By Jeff Agbodo, Abakaliki
The Ebonyi State Government has condemned a reported protest in Abuja against Governor Francis Nwifuru, describing the demonstration and narratives surrounding it as politically motivated
The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Chief Ikeuwah Omebeh, stated this while briefing journalists at his office at the Old Government House, Abakaliki
Omebeh said although the Nwifuru administration remained open to criticism, such criticism should be based on facts and evidence rather than what he described as misinformation
He said the reported protest and some narratives surrounding it were “laughable and poorly coordinated,” adding that they appeared to be directed at the governor and his administration
According to him, the government recognises and respects citizens’ constitutional rights to express their opinions and engage in peaceful protests, but such rights should not be exploited to mislead the public or create unnecessary tension
“While the government recognises and respects the constitutional rights of citizens to express their opinions and to engage in peaceful protests, it is important to state clearly that such rights should not be abused or exploited by individuals and groups whose objective is to deliberately mislead the public, create unnecessary tension or diminish the tremendous progress being recorded across the state,” he said
Omebeh urged Ebonyi residents to remain calm and discerning, saying they should disregard narratives that were not supported by facts, evidence or the realities on the ground
He said Nwifuru’s administration had, since assuming office, invested in infrastructure, education, healthcare, human capital development, workers’ welfare, rural development, empowerment programmes and social interventions
He attributed the administration’s policies to its “People’s Charter of Needs” philosophy, which he said placed the interests and welfare of residents at the centre of governance
Omebeh said political opposition was expected in a democratic system but argued that criticism should not be based on what he described as propaganda or misinformation
“What is unacceptable, however, is the attempt to substitute facts with propaganda, development with misinformation, and constructive criticism with politically motivated attacks,” he said
The commissioner said the government was particularly concerned about narratives that could distract residents from projects and programmes being implemented across the state
He listed road construction, rehabilitation of schools, improvements in healthcare facilities, workers’ welfare, rural development and empowerment programmes among areas he said the administration had focused on
Omebeh urged residents to assess the government based on its record and impact rather than political narratives
“Let the people visit the communities, inspect the projects and speak directly with the beneficiaries of government programmes The evidence of governance is visible across the state,” he said.
He also assured residents that Governor Nwifuru remained focused on his administration’s development agenda and would not be distracted by what he described as political theatrics or attacks
According to him, Ebonyi needs unity, constructive engagement and development-focused criticism rather than controversies capable of undermining public confidence
“The government remains open to legitimate criticism and constructive suggestions Indeed, a responsible administration must listen to its people. But criticism must be founded on facts, patriotism and genuine concern for the common good,” Omebeh said.
He urged youths and other residents not to allow themselves to be used by individuals whose interests, he alleged, might differ from those of the state
“Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru remains focused on governance Ebonyi remains focused on development. And the people remain the ultimate beneficiaries.
“Let us, therefore, disregard the distractions, reject misinformation and remain united in the pursuit of a greater Ebonyi State,” he said