Nwifuru Not Ethnically Biased in Governance – Izzi Youth Group
By Ugo Ewa
The Izzi Nnodo Youth Forum, a prominent socio-political organization representing the Izzi clan, has strongly condemned what it described as a "campaign of calumny" targeted at Ebonyi State Governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, following allegations of ethnic bias in his administration.
The group’s reaction comes in the wake of a widely circulated article titled “Ethnic Capture in Ebonyi: A Crisis of Justice under Governor Nwifuru’s Watch”, allegedly authored by one Cajetan Njoku, which accused the governor of marginalizing certain groups in the state.
In a press release jointly signed by the group’s leadership, the forum described the claims as baseless, divisive, and politically motivated. Signatories to the statement included:
- Comrade Andrew Chibueze Elom – National President
- Hon. Chidi Ogbonna – National Secretary
- Hon. Ben Nwovu – Chairman, Board of Trustees
- Engr. Joseph Nwite – Chairman, Elders Council
- Comrade Uchenna Uguru – Chairman, Central Working Committee
- Comrade Chukwuka Odom – Chairman, Steering Committee, Abakaliki LGA
- Hon. Eziya Ogbonna – Chairman, Steering Committee, Izzi LGA
- Comrade Moses Obiya – Chairman, Steering Committee, Ebonyi LGA
Speaking on behalf of the forum, Comrade Elom asserted that Governor Nwifuru has consistently prioritized inclusivity, merit, and equity in governance.
“The Nwifuru-led administration has demonstrated unparalleled fairness in appointments and development efforts, ensuring that all regions and clans benefit without prejudice,” Elom stated.
The forum hailed the governor’s “People’s Charter of Needs” agenda as a transformative blueprint that has brought tangible development across sectors including youth and women empowerment, healthcare, civil service recruitment, and the rehabilitation of long-abandoned infrastructure.
They described Governor Nwifuru as a “unifying leader with broad-based support,” and warned against what they termed as the “antics of kindred chauvinists attempting to reclaim lost political relevance through misinformation.”
The group also took strong exception to the article’s criticism of respected elder statesmen, including former Governors Chief Martin Elechi, Engr. David Umahi, and Chief Mathias Adum, labeling such remarks as “derogatory and seditious.”
Calling on security agencies to investigate the source and motive behind the article, the forum maintained that efforts to incite ethnic tension in Ebonyi State must be firmly resisted.
“Ebonyi is united. No amount of ethnic propaganda will divide us,” the statement concluded.
In a related development, the Association of Izzi Media Workers (AIMW) has also distanced itself—and the entire Unwuera kindred—from the controversial publication.
In a joint statement signed by:
- Comrade Emmanuel Nwizi – National President
- Comrade Moses Nwite – Secretary General
- Comrade Victor Chibueze Nwegede – Publicity Secretary
AIMW described Njoku’s article as “misleading, inciting, and not representative of the views of the Izzi people.”
The group affirmed that appointments under Governor Nwifuru’s administration have been equitably distributed and urged political actors to prioritize unity, equity, and peaceful coexistence over divisive rhetoric.
