* Dismiss AEISCID's criticism as deceptive and politically motivated; cite achievements in education, healthcare, infrastructure, youth empowerment and social welfare as evidence of governor's performance
The Ebonyi South Youth Assembly (ESYA) has strongly defended Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru against recent criticisms by the Association of Ebonyi Indigenes Socio-Cultural in the Diaspora (AEISCID), insisting that no amount of political propaganda or sponsored campaigns can stop the governor's re-election in 2027.
The youth body, which represents young people across Afikpo, Edda, Ivo, Ohaozara and Onicha Local Government Areas, described AEISCID's position that Governor Nwifuru does not deserve a second term as misleading, deceptive and politically motivated.
In a statement signed by its National President, Comrade Odii Njoku, and made available to journalists on Thursday, ESYA accused the group of deliberately attempting to distort the realities of governance and development in Ebonyi State.
According to the Assembly, Governor Nwifuru's administration has recorded significant achievements across critical sectors, making him one of the most impactful leaders in the state's history.
The group said the administration's performance under the People's Charter of Needs agenda has resulted in visible improvements in education, healthcare, infrastructure, youth empowerment and social welfare.
ESYA noted that in the education sector, the government has invested heavily in school infrastructure, teachers' welfare and scholarship programmes for Ebonyi students both within and outside the country. It also commended efforts aimed at expanding educational institutions and improving access to quality learning opportunities.
The youth body further highlighted achievements in healthcare, including the strengthening of primary and secondary healthcare services, recruitment of health personnel, upgrading of medical facilities and expansion of health insurance coverage for residents.
On infrastructure, the Assembly pointed to ongoing road construction and rehabilitation projects, bridge construction, housing schemes, urban renewal initiatives and water projects spread across various parts of the state.
The statement also extolled the governor's commitment to human capital development, stating that thousands of youths and women have benefited from empowerment programmes, grants, business support initiatives, skills acquisition schemes and employment opportunities introduced by the administration.
It added that Governor Nwifuru has continued to demonstrate compassion through support programmes targeted at widows, persons living with disabilities, vulnerable groups, civil servants, pensioners and communities affected by various challenges.
The Assembly maintained that claims suggesting the governor has no achievements to showcase were not only false but also ignored the developmental strides currently taking place across the thirteen local government areas of the state.
"It is both dishonest and intellectually insulting for any group to suggest that Governor Nwifuru has no achievements to showcase. Such a claim can only come from individuals who have deliberately chosen blindness in the face of overwhelming evidence," the statement said.
The group argued that development should not be measured by media narratives but by the impact of government policies on the lives of citizens, insisting that the People's Charter of Needs agenda has continued to deliver tangible and verifiable results.
ESYA further stated that Governor Nwifuru enjoys widespread support among young people and other segments of society due to what it described as his inclusive leadership style and people-oriented policies.
According to the Assembly, endorsements received by the governor from transport unions, market associations, women groups, artisans, students, traditional rulers, civil servants and community leaders are evidence of growing public confidence in his administration.
The youth group also alleged that some opposition figures, having failed to establish meaningful grassroots structures, had resorted to sponsoring negative media campaigns aimed at discrediting the governor ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
It challenged political aspirants interested in contesting future elections to openly declare their ambitions and engage with the electorate rather than allegedly operating through proxies and media attacks.
Reaffirming its confidence in Governor Nwifuru's leadership, the Assembly urged Ebonyi people to continue supporting the administration and reject what it described as divisive narratives capable of distracting the government from its developmental objectives.
The group expressed optimism that the state would continue on the path of peace, continuity and progress under the current administration, insisting that the governor's performance record and growing popularity would remain stronger than any opposition propaganda ahead of the 2027 elections.
