Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State dismissed any attempts to create a rift between him and former governor David Umahi, emphasizing that gossip and efforts to sow discord will not succeed. Nwifuru stated that the appointment of political officials in his administration will be based on qualifications rather than personal relationships.
Speaking at the post-inauguration thanksgiving ceremony held at Saint Emmanuel Catholic Parish in Edukwachi, Izzi Local Government Area, Nwifuru shared his personal journey, starting as a bus conductor and progressing through various roles such as bricklayer, foreman, PDP assistant secretary, speaker of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly for eight years, and now as governor.
Addressing politicians, Nwifuru stated, “Many individuals aspire to be friends with both the current governor (Nwifuru) and the former governor (David Umahi). Some people aim to create conflicts and spread rumors. I question why they engage in gossip about a sitting governor. They are now gossiping about me. The former governor, Umahi, is like a father to me. If he favored you more than me, he would have chosen you as his successor. He selected me because he holds a deeper affection for me than for you.”