EBONYI STATE GOVERNOR CREATES NEW COMMUNITY, INSTALLS HIS FATHER AS NEW KING

In a move that has sparked mixed reactions, Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has created a new autonomous community, Oferekpe Agbaja, in Izzi Local Government Area, and installed his father, Chief Ezekiel Nwifuru Nwankpu, as the traditional ruler.

The governor presented a certificate and staff of office to his father, noting that the creation of the new community and the installation of his father as king were done in line with the law establishing Ebonyi State Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Cap 146.

Chief Ezekiel Nwifuru Nwankpu, the new king, is renowned for his extensive household, having married 30 wives, although some who were unable to bear children eventually left. Currently, he lives with 17 wives and has fathered 108 children. Among his children, 21 have graduated from higher institutions, including Governor Francis Nwifuru, who is one of the children from his fourth wife.

REACTIONS TRAIL GOVERNOR’S DECISION

The governor’s decision to create a new community and install his father as king has sparked mixed reactions. Some have praised the move as a way to promote cultural heritage and tradition, while others have criticized it as an act of nepotism.

“This is a welcome development,” said Chief Ogbonnaya Okorie, a community leader in Izzi Local Government Area. “The creation of a new community and the installation of a traditional ruler will help to promote our cultural heritage and tradition.”

However, not everyone shares Chief Okorie’s sentiment. “This is a clear case of nepotism,” said Comrade Abia Onyike, a civil society activist. “The governor has used his position to favor his family member. This is not good for democracy and accountability.”

GOVERNOR NWIFURU DEFENDS HIS DECISION

In a statement, Governor Nwifuru defended his decision to create a new community and install his father as king. “The creation of Oferekpe Agbaja community and the installation of my father as the traditional ruler were done in line with the law,” he said. “This is not about nepotism or favoritism, but about promoting our cultural heritage and tradition.”

The governor also noted that his father’s installation as king was based on his popularity and acceptance by the community. “My father is a well-respected and popular figure in the community,” he said. “His installation as king was based on his popularity and acceptance by the community.”

CONCLUSION

The creation of a new community and the installation of Governor Nwifuru’s father as king have sparked mixed reactions. While some have praised the move as a way to promote cultural heritage and tradition, others have criticized it as an act of nepotism. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how this development will impact the people of Ebonyi State and the country at large.