In a recent statement, Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, refuted claims of rejecting the gubernatorial candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Bernard Odoh, along with their supporters in his administration.
The State Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Jude Okpor, clarified the governor’s position, emphasizing that he never intended to withhold forgiveness, accommodation, or cooperation from his election challengers in court.
Okpor explained that the governor simply recounted the challenging experiences he faced during the litigations from the tribunal through the Appeal to the Supreme Court, expressing his dissatisfaction with one of the candidates for serving him a lawsuit notice a day after their meeting. The governor regretted the prolonged litigations and wished they had never happened, but did not condemn the opponents for seeking redress in courts of competent jurisdiction.
Affirming the governor’s commitment to unity and development, Okpor revealed the efforts made by Governor Nwifuru to accommodate and work with all stakeholders, irrespective of political affiliations, for the state’s progress and harmony.
He called on Odii, Odoh, and other citizens to disregard any reports suggesting that the governor rejected accommodating them or their supporters in his government, urging them to see the governor’s genuine desire for unity and corporate action in developing the state.
The statement aims to set the record straight and dismiss any misunderstandings that may have arisen from the governor’s previous remarks.
