ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has said that his predecessor, Senator David Umahi, does not influence or dictate his policies and decisions, contrary to widespread speculation within the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nwifuru previously served as Speaker of the Ebonyi House of Assembly from 2015 to 2023 during Umahi’s tenure as governor.
Umahi, now the Minister of Works, has often claimed that he battled political forces to ensure Nwifuru succeeded him, frequently referring to Nwifuru as his “son.” In turn, Nwifuru has publicly described Umahi as his “father and boss.”
However, during an anniversary lecture held in Abakaliki on Wednesday to commemorate his second year in office, Governor Nwifuru firmly dismissed claims of external control, emphasizing his independence.
“I am logically stubborn, and Umahi knows this well,” the governor stated.
“Umahi is a man whose ways are clear and has never insisted that I do things this way or that. The minister knows that if he does that, I will resist it,” Nwifuru said.
He acknowledged working closely with Umahi for over 16 years and benefiting immensely from the former governor’s experience. Still, he clarified that any shortcomings in his administration are his alone.
“Any shortcoming on my part rests entirely on me and not on anyone else.
READ ALSO: Why I Suspended Health Commissioner – Gov Nwifuru
“I could have been a better leader if Umahi actually controls me,” he added.
The governor pledged to continue defending Ebonyi State’s integrity across Nigeria and encouraged all stakeholders to adopt the same spirit.
“I truly commend Sen. Onyekachi Nwebonyi (APC–Ebonyi North) for standing his ground when a former female minister called him a hooligan at a Senate hearing.
“The woman did that because Nwebonyi is from Ebonyi and could not have done so if he was from Kano, Anambra, or any other state.
“Nwebonyi’s defence was not only for himself but the entire state, as people should not look down on us anymore,” Nwifuru said.
He also expressed gratitude to the guest lecturer and other speakers for their valuable insights, pledging to address the issues they raised.
“The theme of the lecture, ‘Beyond celebration, navigating public expectation and developmental demands in the next two years,’ is a new task given to my administration,” he said.
In his remarks, former Senate President and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Pius Anyim, lauded Governor Nwifuru’s achievements over the past two years.
He urged the governor to remain focused on delivering his “charter of needs” agenda for the people.
Anyim particularly praised Nwifuru’s efforts to restore the Abakaliki city master plan, describing the initiative as bold and deserving of widespread support.
Similarly, the first Executive Governor of Ebonyi State, Dr. Sam Egwu, commended Nwifuru for his remarkable contributions to the education sector, a key highlight of Egwu’s own time as governor.
The guest lecturer, Professor Eugene Nweke, called on the governor to continue strengthening indicators of social well-being and development across the state