By Nkechinyere Ewa-Okpara
Prominent sons and daughters of the Unwuera kindred in Izzi Clan have disassociated themselves from a recent publication by Hon. Cajethan Njoku titled “Ethnic Capture in Ebonyi State”, describing it as misleading, divisive, and unrepresentative of the views of the kindred.
In a strongly worded statement signed by notable Unwuera affiliates, the group rejected what they called a “personal opinion masquerading as collective sentiment.” They insisted that Njoku’s assertion that Unwuera has been sidelined in political appointments under the administration of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru is both “untrue and logically flawed.”
“To the best of our knowledge, Unwuera as a kindred does not have an umbrella organization that authorizes anyone to speak on its behalf,” the statement reads.
“We do not celebrate artificial boundaries of hate, and we believe Governor Nwifuru has done more to unite Izzi people than any previous administration.”
The group noted that many Unwuera sons and daughters currently hold prominent positions in both state and federal establishments, courtesy of the Governor’s inclusive leadership. They listed over 60 high-ranking appointments of Unwuera indigenes, including: Chief Barr. Steve Emenike Nwankpa Executive Chairman of Izzi LGA, Sen. Chief Onyekachi Nwebonyi Senator Representing Ebonyi North, Dr. Jeremiah Nwankwegu Federal Commissioner, NPC, Prof. Emmanuel Echiegu Chief of Staff, Government House, Dr. Moses Ekuma Commissioner for Health, Prof. Paul Awo Nwobashi Commissioner for Border Peace and Conflict Resolution, Mrs. Rose Nwuzor Bursar, Ebonyi State University, Dr. Felix Edegbe Acting Provost, College of Medicine, EBSU, Hon. Obiya Chukwudi Pascal Coordinator, Izzi Development Centre, Rev. Father Godwin Uguru Chairman, Christian Pilgrimage Board, and many others across various arms of government.
According to the statement, the present administration has shown “unprecedented inclusivity and fairness”, with more Unwuera people occupying sensitive positions than in any previous government.
While acknowledging the constitutional right to freedom of expression, the group urged Hon. Njoku to retract his statement and tender an apology to Governor Nwifuru for the “misleading, unfair, and inflammatory publication.”
“We reaffirm our unwavering support for His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, the unifier of the Izzi people,” they concluded. “We urge him to remain focused and undistracted in delivering good governance and hereby adopt him as our sole candidate for a second term in 2027.”
The group described the controversy stirred by Njoku’s article as an unfortunate distraction at a time when the state should be celebrating its growing political inclusiveness and unity.