By Nkechinyere Ewa
The Ebonyi State Government has accused the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of attempting to create a rift between Governor Francis Nwifuru and the Barr Nyesome Wike, insisting that both leaders enjoy a cordial relationship built on mutual respect.
The government alleged that the two factions of the PDP had twisted remarks made by Governor Nwifuru during the June 15, 2026 endorsement rally for President and other APC candidates at the Pa Ngele Oruta Township Stadium in Abakaliki in an attempt to score political points.
The Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Barr Ikeuwa Omebeh, made the clarification in a statement issued in Abakaliki on Tuesday.
Omebeh said Governor Nwifuru never threatened Wike during the rally, contrary to claims by the PDP and reports in some sections of the media.
According to him, the governor merely cautioned opposition figures allegedly spreading fake news and propaganda in Wike’s name to destabilize the state.
He explained that the governor’s use of the word “consume” was purely metaphorical, stressing that it referred to the application of the law against anyone found engaging in activities capable of disrupting public peace.
“The word ‘consume’ used by His Excellency was a metaphorical expression indicating that those involved in such acts would face the full weight of the law if they fail to retrace their steps,” Omebeh stated.
He maintained that Governor Nwifuru and Wike have a relationship founded on mutual respect and that there was no basis for suggesting that the governor made any disparaging or threatening remarks against the FCT Minister.
The Commissioner further accused the PDP factions and what he described as “paid media hirelings” of deliberately misrepresenting the governor’s speech in a bid to create unnecessary tension between the two political leaders.
Omebeh also advised the PDP to focus on resolving its internal leadership crises instead of criticizing the Ebonyi State Government.
He argued that a party struggling with prolonged internal disputes lacked the moral authority to comment on governance, adding that the PDP had become almost non-existent in Ebonyi State and posed no electoral threat to the ruling APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He expressed confidence that the people of Ebonyi State would renew their support for Governor Nwifuru’s administration through their votes in 2027, warning that individuals spreading fake news and propaganda would face the consequences of the law.
“The Ebonyi State Government maintains that any attempt to create an imaginary misunderstanding between Their Excellencies, Rt. Hon. Francis Nwifuru and Barr. Nyesom Wike, will fail like a pack of cards,” the Commissioner said.