By Nkechinyere Ewa – Okpara
As Ebonyi State marks its 29th anniversary, a former member of the House of Representatives for Ikwo/Ezza South Federal Constituency, Hon. Lazarus Nweru Ogbe, has reflected on the state’s journey, praising successive administrations for laying solid foundations and commending Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru for sustaining peace and driving development.
Speaking in an interview, Ogbe noted that since the return to civilian rule, the state has been blessed with visionary leaders Dr. Sam Egwu, Chief Martin Elechi, Engineer David Umahi, and now Rt. Hon. Nwifuru who, according to him, “did wonderfully well in repositioning Ebonyi.”
“I can beat my chest and say all our past governors worked hard to remove the stigma of backwardness from our people. They invested in human and infrastructural development. But what Governor Nwifuru has done differently is restore peace, which is the foundation of the development we enjoy today,” Ogbe said.
The ex-lawmaker highlighted how Nwifuru’s peace initiatives have quelled recurring communal conflicts across the state, citing reconciliations in Ikwo-Izzi, Ezza-Effium, and Amasiri-Edda. He stressed that the prevailing atmosphere of peace has fostered unity, reduced crime, and created room for economic progress.
Ogbe also pointed to milestone projects in Ezza land, including the establishment of the University of Aronethics and Ebonyi International Airport, as legacies of previous administrations now being consolidated by the current government.
He lauded the continuation policy of the Nwifuru administration, noting that abandoned projects such as the International Trade Centre and new flyover projects were being completed without recourse to borrowing.
On human capital, Ogbe applauded the governor for reviving overseas scholarships for postgraduate studies, describing it as “a return to the vision of the first civilian administration under Dr Sam Egwu.”
The former lawmaker, who recently defected from the PDP to the APC, assured that Ezza people were united in their support for Nwifuru to complete two terms in line with the state’s political tradition.
“From North to Central to South, every past governor has done eight years. It is only natural and fair, what we call Kamene in Ezza land, that Governor Nwifuru should do the same. By the time he completes his tenure, Ebonyi will stand tall among states in the federation,” Ogbe said.
He further revealed that several political and grassroots movements, including the FON 8 Group, Francis Frontiers, and FON Youth Movement, were already mobilising support ahead of 2027.
On security, Ogbe credited the state government and local stakeholders for tackling cult violence in Onueke, which he said has restored safety and normalcy to Ezza South communities.
He called for continued unity across party lines to consolidate the gains of the present administration, stressing that Ebonyi is “more united today in politics, development, and purpose.”