Why I’ve made only one political appointment from my community — Ebonyi gov

Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has disclosed that only one political appointee from his community is in his government, despite the community’s fortune in producing the governor.

Nwifuru made this revelation on Thursday during the annual celebration of his community, Oferekpe-Agbaja, in Izzi Local Government Area of the state.

While responding to calls for more appointments from his community, the governor noted that the sole appointee holds the position of Senior Special Adviser.

“This community gave the All Progressives Congress more than 3,000 votes during the 2023 general elections, yet it has only one political appointee,” he said.

“I tell my people that whenever they agitate for more political appointments, they should remember that I am the government, and the government is here.

“When you say you have not benefited much from this government, do you know how much it has spent on infrastructure in the community?” he queried.

Nwifuru disclosed that more than 20 projects are currently ongoing at the Information Communication Technology University located in the community, alongside other infrastructural interventions.

“Five of those projects cost more than ₦900 million each, while others cost between ₦1 billion and ₦6 billion each.

“The community primary school bears the mark of government presence, a mark you cannot find anywhere else in the state.

“Massive road construction is also ongoing, and the LGA chairman is directly or indirectly from this community because his great-grandfather was born here,” he added.

The governor advised the community to moderate its expectations regarding appointments, warning that excessive appointments could hinder progress.

“Do you want me to stop the infrastructural projects in the community and appoint more people? You are already benefitting more than those with numerous appointees.

“However, I promise to electrify all areas in need of electricity and construct a town hall as soon as you provide the land,” he assured.
Nwifuru acknowledged the sacrifices made by community members since his political journey began in 2022 and urged them to remain patient.

Chief Elias Nwibo, Chairman of the community’s town union, explained that the annual celebration, which began 15 years ago, provides an opportunity for indigenes at home and abroad to interact and celebrate.

“Our son, the governor, began sponsoring this event after becoming Speaker of the State House of Assembly, earning his chieftaincy title of Onwa (Moon) from the event,” he said.

HRH Ezekiel Nwifuru, the traditional ruler of the community and the governor’s father, prayed for God’s continued blessings upon the people and for peace in the land.

NAN