The Ebonyi State government on Tuesday dismissed claims of a rift between Governor Francis Nwifuru and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, accusing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of attempting to create disaffection between the two political leaders for partisan gain.
The government said neither Governor Nwifuru nor Wike was at loggerheads, insisting that the governor never threatened the FCT Minister during the June 15, 2026 endorsement rally for President Bola Tinubu and other All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The clarification was contained in a statement issued in Abakaliki by the Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Chief Ikeuwa Omebeh, in response to statements by the two factions of the PDP and reports in some sections of the media over remarks made by the governor during the rally held at Pa Ngele Oruta Township Stadium.
Omebeh said the opposition had deliberately misrepresented the governor's comments in a bid to score cheap political points and create an imaginary misunderstanding between Nwifuru and Wike.
According to him, "At no time did His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Francis Nwifuru, issue any threat against the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr. Nyesom Wike.
"In his speech at the event, the Governor only cautioned some opposition elements who are fanning the embers of crisis in the state and spreading fake news and propaganda in the name of His Excellency, Barr. Nyesom Wike, to desist from such acts."
The commissioner explained that the governor's use of the word "consume" was purely metaphorical, stressing that it referred to the consequences of violating the law and not a threat against any individual.
"The word 'consume' used by His Excellency was a metaphorical expression indicating that those involved in such acts would face the full weight of the law if they fail to retrace their steps," he said.
He maintained that Governor Nwifuru and Wike enjoy a cordial relationship built on mutual respect, dismissing suggestions of hostility between them.
"Their Excellencies, Rt. Hon. Francis Nwifuru and Barr. Nyesom Wike, maintain mutual respect. As such, Governor Nwifuru has no reason whatsoever to make any uncomplimentary remarks or threats against Barr. Nyesom Wike," Omebeh stated.
The commissioner described attempts by the PDP and "paid media hirelings" to twist the governor's remarks as irresponsible and urged the public to disregard such narratives.
He also advised the opposition party to focus on resolving its internal leadership crisis instead of criticizing the Nwifuru administration.
"On the attempt to cast aspersion on the Governor and Government of Ebonyi State by one of the PDP factions, we wish to counsel the party to be more concerned about resolving the numerous crises plaguing the party, which have rendered it almost non-existent, than commenting on the performance of His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru's administration.
"A party that has been unable to resolve its internal crisis for years lacks the moral rectitude to comment on governance issues," he added.
Omebeh further asserted that the PDP posed no electoral threat to the ruling APC in Ebonyi State, expressing confidence that the people would renew their mandate for Governor Nwifuru and the APC in the 2027 general elections.
He warned that individuals spreading fake news and propaganda capable of undermining public peace would face the full weight of the law.
"The Ebonyi State Government maintains that any attempt to create an imaginary misunderstanding between Their Excellencies, Rt. Hon. Francis Nwifuru and Barr. Nyesom Wike, will fail like a pack of cards," the commissioner said.
