The Ebonyi State Government has urged residents to disregard what it described as ‘sponsored narratives, media attacks and poorly coordinated protests’ against the administration of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru.
The government said the orchestrated distractions were aimed at misleading the public and diminishing the progress being recorded across the state.
The Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Barr Chief Ikeuwa Omebeh, made this known in a statement issued in Abakaliki on Wednesday.
While acknowledging the constitutional right to peaceful protest, Omebeh said such rights should not be abused by individuals and groups seeking to create unnecessary tension.
‘Ebonyians should remain calm and discerning and disregard these pockets of negative narratives, particularly when they are not supported by facts, evidence or the realities on ground,’ he said.
The Commissioner said since assuming office, Governor Nwifuru has demonstrated commitment to the welfare of Ebonyians through deliberate investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, human capital development, workers’ welfare, rural development and empowerment programmes.
He noted that the administration’s ‘People’s Charter of Needs’ philosophy places the interests and welfare of the people at the centre of governance.
‘It is not surprising that an administration actively delivering projects may attract political opposition. What is unacceptable is the attempt to substitute facts with propaganda and development with misinformation,’ Omebeh stated.
He added that the government was concerned that some narratives were designed to distract people from ‘the roads being constructed, schools being rehabilitated, healthcare facilities receiving attention, workers receiving improved welfare, and rural communities being connected to development.’
Omebeh urged citizens to judge the administration by its record rather than political propaganda.
‘Let the people visit the communities, inspect the projects and speak directly with beneficiaries of government programmes. The evidence of governance is visible across the State,’ he said.
The Commissioner assured that Governor Nwifuru remains ‘focused, undistracted and committed to delivering on his mandate’ and would not be swayed by political theatrics.
‘At this point in our collective journey, Ebonyi needs unity, constructive engagement and development-focused criticism, not manufactured controversies capable of undermining public confidence,’ he added.
The government also called on youths to resist being used as instruments by individuals whose interests differ from the collective interest of the state.
‘Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru remains focused on governance. Ebonyi remains focused on development. And the people remain the ultimate beneficiaries,’ the statement concluded.