---Says Anyichuks copying Nwifuru's manifesto shows governor is setting Ebonyi's development agenda
The Ebonyi South Youths Assembly has criticised the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election, Chief Ifeanyichukwu Chukwuma Odii, popularly known as Anyichuks, accusing him of copying the development agenda of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
The group, in a statement signed by its National President, Odii Njoku, said Anyichuks' recent public presentation of his vision for Ebonyi State was an indication that Governor Nwifuru had become the pacesetter in the state's development agenda.
According to the statement, the opposition figure's emphasis on human capital development, youth empowerment, skills acquisition, agriculture, technology, healthcare and economic transformation merely echoed programmes already being implemented by the Nwifuru administration.
"It is both ironic and shameful that the same Anyichuks, who has struggled to articulate a distinct vision for Ebonyi, has now resorted to echoing the very development philosophy and people-oriented programmes already being implemented by the administration of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru.
"His sudden emphasis on human capital development, youth empowerment, skills acquisition, agriculture, technology, healthcare and economic transformation are not fresh ideas. These are policy directions that Governor Nwifuru has already translated from campaign promises into visible projects and measurable achievements across the state," the group stated.
The Assembly argued that the similarities between Anyichuks' proposals and Governor Nwifuru's policies demonstrated that the governor was setting the pace for governance and development in Ebonyi State.
The youth group further maintained that leadership required constant engagement with the people rather than making political pronouncements from outside the state.
"It is also instructive that while Governor Nwifuru governs from within Ebonyi, interacting daily with the people, Anyichuks is widely perceived to operate primarily outside the state. Ebonyi deserves a governor who is deeply rooted in the realities, aspirations and daily lives of its people.
"Governance cannot effectively be driven from a distance. Anyone aspiring to lead Ebonyi should first demonstrate sustained commitment to living among the people, understanding their realities and sharing in their aspirations," the statement added.
The Assembly urged the PDP chieftain to present what it described as original policy alternatives instead of, according to it, repackaging ideas already being pursued by the present administration.
It also faulted Anyichuks' criticism of the state government, insisting that Governor Nwifuru's administration had continued to record achievements in education, healthcare, road infrastructure, youth empowerment, security, agriculture and economic development.
Reaffirming its support for Governor Nwifuru, the group said the governor's leadership should be assessed on the basis of performance and tangible results rather than political rhetoric.
The Assembly expressed confidence that the people of Ebonyi State would continue to support what it described as purposeful leadership and continuity in governance as preparations gradually begin ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
