Ebonyi denies rift between Nwifuru, Wike, blames PDP

Ebonyi State Government officials have strongly refuted claims of a disagreement between Governor Francis Nwifuru and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. The state government attributes the rumors to factions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), alleging they are deliberately distorting the governor's statements to incite unnecessary tension.

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At no time did His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Francis Nwifuru, issue any threat against the Honourable Minister of the FCT, Barr. Nyesom Wike.

Ikeuwa Omebeh, Ebonyi's Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, issued a statement clarifying the governor's remarks made at a rally on June 15. Omebeh asserted that Governor Nwifuru did not threaten the FCT minister. Instead, the governor cautioned individuals attempting to create crises and spread propaganda, using Wike's name.

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In his speech at the event, the Governor only cautioned some opposition elements who are fanning the embers of crisis in the state and spreading fake news and propaganda in the name of Barr. Nyesom Wike to desist from such acts.

Omebeh explained that the governor's use of the word "consume" during his speech was metaphorical. He stated it referred to the legal consequences individuals would face if they persisted in operating outside the law after repeated warnings. The commissioner emphasized that Nwifuru and Wike maintain a cordial relationship based on mutual respect.

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The term ‘consume’ was a metaphorical expression indicating that individuals operating outside the law would face its full consequences if they failed to retrace their steps.

The commissioner further criticized PDP factions in Ebonyi, calling them "almost non-existent" and incapable of challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress. He urged the PDP to address its internal issues rather than commenting on the Ebonyi State Government's affairs. The statement aimed to quell speculation and reaffirm the positive relationship between the two political figures.

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Nwifuru and Wike enjoy a cordial relationship founded on mutual respect, insisting that attempts by “PDP factions and paid media hirelings” to create the impression of a feud would not succeed.