Ebonyi youths under the platform of the Izzi Nnodo Youth Forum has strongly condemned what it described as a "campaign of calumny" against Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, following a recent publication accusing his administration of ethnic bias in governance.
This was contained in a press release signed by the National President of the forum, Comrade Andrew Chibueze Elom, National Secretary - Hon Chidi Ogbonna, Hon Ben Nwovu - Board of Trustees Chairman, Chairman Elders Council - Engr Joseph Nwite, Chairman Central Working Committee - Comrade Uchenna Uguru, Chairman of Steering Committee Abakaliki LGA - Comrade Chukwuka Odom, Chairman of Steering Committee Izzi LGA - Hon Eziya Ogbonna and Chairman of Steering Committee Ebonyi LGA - Comrade Moses Obiya.
The controversial article, titled "Ethnic Capture in Ebonyi: A Crisis of Justice under Governor Nwifuru’s Watch", authored by Cajetan Njoku, alleged marginalization and exclusion of certain groups in Ebonyi State.
However, in a swift rebuttal read by Comrade Chibueze Elom, National President of the Izzi Nnodo Youth Forum, the group described the claims as false, divisive, and the handiwork of political desperados.
"The Nwifuru-led administration has demonstrated unmatched inclusivity in appointments and development projects across the state," the statement said. "Positions of responsibility have been shared without bias to clan or region, and governance is driven by merit, not kindred sentiments."
The group defended Governor Nwifuru as a product of broad-based support and a symbol of unity in the state, dismissing attempts to stir ethnic tensions as the work of "a notorious kindred chauvinist trying to regain lost political relevance."
Highlighting key achievements of the administration, the Forum pointed to massive youth and women empowerment, recruitment into civil service, healthcare development, and resuscitation of abandoned projects across Ebonyi.
“This government has surpassed its predecessors in equity, peace, and service delivery,” they said.
They also denounced the derogatory remarks made in the publication against respected leaders such as former Governors Martin Elechi and David Umahi, and elder statesman Chief Mathias Adum, calling for security agencies to take note of the seditious tone of the article.
Reaffirming their loyalty, the youth group vowed to continue supporting Governor Nwifuru’s "People's Charter of Needs" agenda and urged detractors to focus on merit, not tribe.
“We stand by our Governor. Ebonyi is united, and no amount of ethnic propaganda will divide us,” the statement concluded.
It would be recalled that the Association of Izzi Media Workers (AIMW) has distanced itself and the Unwuera kindred from a controversial article by Mr. Cajetan Njoku, describing it as misleading and inciting.
In a statement jointly signed by Comrade Emmanuel Nwizi - the AIMW National President Comrade Moses Nwite - Secretary General, and Comrade Victor Chibueze Nwegede - Publicity Secretary, the media group emphasized that Njoku's claims do not reflect the views of the Izzi people and warned against attempts to sow discord.
AIMW affirmed that appointments under Governor Francis Nwifuru are equitably distributed and urged all stakeholders to prioritize unity and peace.
