The Ebonyi State Commissioner for Commerce, Industries and Business Development, Chief Oguzor Offia-Nwali, has dismissed claims that the administration of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru is disconnected from the people, insisting that the government remains committed to grassroots development and inclusive governance.
Offia-Nwali made the assertion in a statement titled "Setting the Records Straight," issued on Saturday in Abakaliki, while reacting to allegations by the Umuekumenyi Leaders' Council that the governor had underperformed in office.
The commissioner described the group as a "nebulous" and "phony" political organisation allegedly being used to disparage the administration ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
According to him, the claim that the Nwifuru-led government is out of touch with the people is a "complete fabrication" and does not reflect realities on the ground.
He said the administration has demonstrated its commitment to the welfare of Ebonyi residents through youth empowerment initiatives, strategic appointments, scholarship schemes and employment opportunities.
"The present administration has recorded the highest number of youth appointments into sensitive positions and has empowered thousands of young people through various programmes," he stated.
Offia-Nwali added that the state government has awarded scholarships to Ebonyi students studying in both local and foreign institutions as part of efforts to expand access to quality education.
He further highlighted the recruitment of over 2,000 teachers and more than 600 healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses and laboratory scientists, noting that the exercise has significantly reduced unemployment in the state.
The commissioner also maintained that Ebonyi's economy is witnessing steady growth, citing improvements in the ease of doing business and increased local and foreign investments.
He described Ebonyi as one of the most peaceful states in the South-East and attributed the state's low cost of living to the administration's economic policies.
Offia-Nwali said the movement of food supplies from Ebonyi to other parts of the country was evidence of robust agricultural productivity and economic stability.
Defending Governor Nwifuru's leadership credentials, he pointed to the governor's previous experience as Speaker of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly and his years of public service.
He alleged that the Umuekumenyi Leaders' Council was acting as a political platform for a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Chukwuma Ifeanyi Odii, ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
The commissioner urged members of the group to openly identify with their political affiliation rather than operating under a different platform.
He reiterated the support of the Ezza people for Governor Nwifuru's second-term ambition, declaring that there was "no vacancy" in the Government House beyond 2027.
The Umuekumenyi Leaders' Council had, during a press conference on Friday, endorsed Chief Odii for the 2027 governorship election and accused the Nwifuru administration of underperformance.
