Fresh concerns have emerged over the pattern of political appointments in Ebonyi State, as stakeholders from Ohaukwu Local Government Area accused the administration of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru of marginalising key communities that played significant roles in his emergence in the 2023 general elections.
Leading the criticism is a former Chairman of Ohaukwu LGA, Barrister Clement Odah, who, in a strongly worded statement, alleged that the Effium-speaking communities comprising Effium I, Wigbeke I, and Wigbeke III have been largely excluded from government appointments and patronage since the inception of the current administration.
Odah, who noted that his political structure and supporters worked extensively to secure electoral victories for the governor across the affected wards, described the situation as “deeply concerning,” stressing that no indigene from the three wards has been considered for any meaningful appointive or elective position in the last three years.
While acknowledging the administration’s strides in education and human capital development, he argued that governance must reflect fairness and inclusivity across all constituent groups in the state.
“Ebonyi State is a collective entity belonging to all its people, not a select few,” Odah stated, urging the governor to address what he termed an apparent imbalance in the distribution of political opportunities.
The former council boss further alleged that appointments within Ohaukwu LGA have been skewed in favour of a narrow interest group, sidelining other political blocs, including members of the Omekannaya Support Group and their associates across Ngbo and Effium.
According to him, the development risks breeding discontent among loyal party stakeholders who contributed to the administration’s electoral success but now feel alienated.
Beyond appointments, Odah also weighed in on the emerging political dynamics ahead of the 2027 general elections, calling on the governor to prioritise merit, competence, and verifiable records of empowerment when supporting candidates for elective positions.
He cautioned against relying solely on incumbency advantage or personal relationships in candidate selection, noting that such an approach could undermine public confidence in leadership.
On the sensitive issue of peace in Effium, a community that has experienced prolonged communal conflict, Odah commended the government’s efforts to restore stability but warned against actions that could jeopardise the fragile peace.
He specifically cautioned against allowing individuals allegedly implicated in past violence and indicted by the State Peace Committee to participate in future elections, describing such a move as capable of setting a dangerous precedent.
“A situation where individuals benefit from actions that led to widespread destruction must not be encouraged,” he said, emphasizing the need for justice and accountability as foundations for lasting peace.
Odah urged the governor to remember the contributions of Effium communities during the 2023 elections, noting that the administration recorded victories in all indigenous wards within the area, even as it lost in others.
He called for urgent steps to ensure that the communities are not only recognised but also adequately represented in the governance structure of the state.
NATIONAL PANEL reports that as political activities gradually build toward the 2027 elections, observers said the concerns raised reflect broader expectations among stakeholders for equitable governance, inclusive leadership, and balanced political patronage across Ebonyi State.
