By Nkechinyere Ewa, Abakaliki
The recent political exchanges between supporters of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ebonyi State have once again brought to the fore debates about patriotism, opposition politics and governance ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
At the middle of the controversy is a social media post credited to Chika Nwoba, spokesman of an opposition governorship aspirant, which was strongly condemned by Ebonyi-First Vanguard, a pro-government advocacy group.
Addressing journalists in Abakaliki, the Director-General of the group, Hon. Monday Eze, accused Nwoba of encouraging public officials and citizens to undermine the government through what he described as a call to “play double standards and disappoint the government.”
According to Eze, opposition politics should be anchored on constructive criticism and accountability rather than actions capable of weakening government institutions.
He argued that government should not be viewed as a political party alone but as the collective machinery through which public services such as road construction, healthcare delivery, education and salary payments are provided to citizens.
“Democracy thrives when opposition parties challenge policies and offer alternatives, not when they encourage actions capable of sabotaging governance,” he said.
Defending Government Policies
The group also used the occasion to rebut allegations made against the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Uchenna Stephen Igwe, concerning funds reportedly earmarked for ward councillors.
Eze explained that the programme in question was designed as an agribusiness empowerment initiative aimed at equipping councillors with sustainable means of livelihood after their tenure in office.
According to him, the funds were intended to support agricultural ventures and boost local economic activities rather than serve as direct personal benefits.
He further maintained that financial transactions in the state government are conducted electronically, making allegations of officials signing for larger sums while receiving smaller amounts difficult to substantiate.
The group also clarified that the delay in disbursing the agribusiness support funds was linked to the financial planning and implementation schedules of local government councils, which operate under the framework of local government financial autonomy.
Nwifuru’s Record in Focus
Ebonyi-First Vanguard argued that Governor Francis Nwifuru’s administration remains confident of retaining public support based on what it described as its achievements in infrastructure and human capital development.
The group highlighted programmes including postgraduate scholarships for Ebonyi students, payment of long-standing gratuity arrears to retirees, youth empowerment grants, recruitment into the civil service and investments in education and healthcare.
According to Eze, these initiatives have strengthened public confidence in the administration and constitute the foundation of the governor’s anticipated re-election campaign.
He also dismissed suggestions that elected ward councillors could be dissolved before the expiration of their tenure, stressing that their positions are constitutionally recognized and subject only to the provisions governing their tenure.
Call for Responsible Politics
The advocacy group urged political actors across party lines to focus on issue-based campaigns rather than inflammatory rhetoric.
Eze warned against what he termed attempts to redefine “treachery and sabotage as political strategy,” insisting that democratic contests should be decided through the ballot box rather than actions capable of disrupting governance.
He called on public servants and citizens to remain loyal to constitutional principles and the public interest, irrespective of political affiliations.
“As the state prepares for another electoral cycle, political competition should be driven by ideas, programmes and vision rather than hostility toward institutions of government,” he said.