From Victor Nwegede, Abakaliki
The Speaker of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Chief Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has said that his endorsement by the traditional rulers and well-meaning stakeholders of the Izhi Clan and beyond has not generated any controversy in any part of his state.
Ebonyi Speaker, Chief Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru.
NATIONAL PANEL gathered that some elements allegedly lying low mobilised to counter the willful solidarity and endorsement of Speaker Nwifuru by the stakeholders of the clan especially their traditional rulers, as their consensus candidate to contest for the Ebonyi State governorship position under the platform of the All Progressives Congress after Governor David Umahi lifted the ban for consultation and declaration for the 2023 political activities by interested individuals for elective seats.
But Nwifuru on Monday in Abakaliki while interacting with journalists after visiting the executive committee members of the Ebonyi APC, said that though he has not yet declared his interest to contest the governorship position, the traditional rulers’ action was in the interest of the people.
Nwifuru noted that the traditional rulers and other people from his area can endorse him as their candidate for the 2023 governorship election and it demanded no cause for alarm by anybody.
“I don’t see any controversy generated by the adoption as it shows that they have seen an aspirant who would work for the people, especially at the grassroots.
“It shows that they are imploring me to contest the position and I will make my decision public soon,” Nwifuru said.
The Speaker explained that he was at the State APC headquarters to familiarise himself with the leadership of the party to fashion ways of enhancing its affairs.
He urged Ebonyi people to keep waiting patiently, noting that he is still consulting widely before he would make his intention known to the public.
“I am still consulting widely and people should wait till I disclose my next move,” the Speaker said.
The Ebonyi APC Chairman, Chief Stanley Okoro Emegha, also lauded the Speaker for his visit and noted that it was quivered for a gigantic electoral success in the state.
According to Emegha, “party members can visit us for necessary collaborations and not necessarily for electoral matters.
“Members also have rights to consult the party on their electoral aspirations and we would offer a level playing field to everyone,” Emegha stated.
The Ebonyi APC Boss pointed out that the party supports the zoning of political offices to safeguard equity and fairness.
“Zoning ensures that people from minority areas get shots at political positions and is also enshrined in the party’s guidelines,” Emegha hinted.
