THE WORKING WONDER FROM EBONYI STATE BY BELIEVE MUKORO

Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru of Ebonyi State is the only governor from the South East geopolitical zone that has approved payment of 70k minimum wage and still sustaining the sterling legacy of his predecessor and godfather, ex governor Dcn (Engr.) David Umahi (now Minister of Works) in infrastructural programmes in developing his state.

Surprisingly, Ebonyi state receives the least allocation in the South East and one of the least allocation in all the 36 states (top 3 least earners). 

Guess what! He’s never ashamed to identify with ex governor David Umahi whom he calls delightfully at every function, “my father!”

Throughout last year from July 2023, Governor Francis Nwifuru added minimum of 10k to salaries of civil servants and 100k bonus in December as Christmas gifts to cushion the effect of the fuel subsidy removal.

Ebonyi State is the most peaceful state in the East according to several statistics and the only state in the East that doesn’t exercise IPOB sit-at-home order. 

The relationship between Dcn (Engr.) David Umahi and his successor Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru is worthy of emulation and any political godson that truly wants to succeed should copy his template of total submission and honor of his godfather. Apologies to Governor Siminalayi Fubara as he truly needs to learn from his Ebonyi State counterpart.

That Francis Nwifuru is succeeding is to ex governor David Umahi’s credit. And if he fails despite his loyalty, it would be so obvious that he was led astray. 

David Umahi is arguably the best governor in the history of Ebonyi state, the only state governor to have built an airport (international) in the South East, over 20 flyovers connecting standard road constructed.

He’s adjourned as the best in the South East in terms of infrastructural development thus far. His mentee Francis Nwifuru is meticulously following his path and personally supervising projects. A success can only birth success because success without a successor is failure.

While many lament over the presence of their godfathers, here’s one who’s grateful to have one. His administration has been smooth since inauguration, swearing-in and seamless transition in May 29th 2023.