Gov Nwifuru Fires Back: ‘Umahi Knows I’m Logically Stubborn’ — Rejects Claims Of Being Controlled by Minister Of Works

The Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Nwifuru, has rejected claims that he is under the influence of his predecessor, David Umahi.

During a speech on Wednesday marking his second year in office, Nwifuru clarified that the Minister of Works has not placed any conditions on him in return for his electoral support.

He emphasized that he alone is responsible for the successes and failures of his administration, saying, “I am logically stubborn, and Umahi knows this well. Umahi is straightforward and has never pressured me to act in any particular way. The minister also understands that if he tries, I will resist.”

Nwifuru, who served as Speaker for two terms while Umahi was governor, acknowledged the lessons he learned from his predecessor.
“Any shortcomings are entirely mine, not anyone else’s. If Umahi controlled me, I could have been a better leader,” he added.

He also praised Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi (Ebonyi North) for courageously confronting Oby Ezekwesili during a committee hearing on Senator Natasha Akpoti’s sexual allegations against Senate President Goodwill Akpabio.

Former Senate President Pius Anyim commended Governor Nwifuru’s achievements over the past two years and encouraged him to remain focused on his policy implementation.
Anyim, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), applauded the governor’s decisive effort to reclaim the Abakaliki city master plan, calling for broad support of the initiative.