Outrage As Ebonyi Radio Boss Suspended For Blasting Governor Nwifuru Nigerins React

A privately-owned radio station in Ebonyi State, Legacy FM (The Sound of Now), has suspended its Acting General Manager, Godfrey Chikwere, over alleged repeated negative remarks about Governor Francis Nwifuru and his administration’s policies.

In a statement released on Saturday, the station’s management accused Chikwere of violating Legacy FM’s professional code of conduct.

“The management of Legacy FM 95.1, The Sound of Now, hereby suspends the Acting General Manager, Godfrey Chikwere, with immediate effect until further notice,” the announcement read.
“This is due to unruly behaviour and disobedience to the code of conduct guiding Legacy FM. He is directed to hand over all company property in his possession to the next senior officer.”

Reports indicate that in a Facebook post on Friday, Chikwere urged Governor Nwifuru to adopt a tougher approach to governance. He allegedly criticized the administration for poor communication, underperforming appointees, lack of clear policy direction, and a dwindling support base. He also advised the governor to “step on toes” to achieve results, alleging that public perception of the government was being manipulated.

Governor’s Aide Calls Criticism ‘Ungrateful’
The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Monday Uzor, dismissed Chikwere’s remarks as baseless and ungrateful, noting that Legacy FM had benefitted significantly from government support.

“It is regrettable that despite the radio station surviving on government assistance, its supposed helmsman devotes a large portion of its airtime to attacking the very administration that has kept it afloat,” Uzor said.

He listed state interventions including the donation of a brand-new Changan SUV, provision of a new transformer to power the station, and the construction of the access road to the broadcasting house.

“Instead of offering balanced coverage, the station has become a slaughterhouse for the governor’s genuine development efforts and goodwill. This is a shameful display of ingratitude,” he added.

Commissioner Labels Remarks ‘Inciting’
The State Commissioner for Information, Ikeuwa Omebeh, also condemned Chikwere’s comments, describing them as derogatory, inciting, and an affront to the people of Ebonyi State.

“He overstepped his bounds. His statements against the governor are not only unwarranted but also an insult to the collective identity of Ebonyians,” Omebeh said in a statement on Saturday.