By Roland Ike, Abakaliki
The Ebonyi state government has debunked claims in some quarters that Governor Francis Nwifuru is not in control of his administration and that he is being influenced by former Governor, David Umahi.
The is contained in a statement signed the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Dr Monday Uzor and made available to newsmen on Tuesday in Abakaliki.
Uzor noted that the government was aware of the ‘malicious’ statement credited to a group, the Association of Ebonyi Indigenes-Socio Cultural in the Diaspora (AEISCID).
“Without condescending to the level of the said group, it is pertinent to note that the issues it raised and its intentions are dead on arrival.
“The governor will not be distracted by the group’s naked dance as he is fully in charge of his government.
“The governor has the love and support of the people who have absolute confidence in his ability to deliver on his campaign promises,” the statement read.
The CPS said that appointing a ‘kitchen cabinet’ as relayed by the group, remained the prerogative of the governor and has nothing to do with performance.
“This is particular for a governor who just took over office as he is proactively assembling professionals to help him drive his policies and programmes.
“He will therefore, not be stampeded into hurried appointments to please a faceless group known to fight every administration in Ebonyi.
“The appointment of principal officers as alleged by the group, does not signify strength or weakness of the present administration under Nwifuru,” the statement read.
Uzor said that as a lawmaker, the governor understands the principle of separation of power as enshrined in the Nigerian constitution.
“He will duly send the names of his commissioner nominees and other appointees to the legislative arm of government when constituted for screening and possible confirmation.
“The governor enjoins the people to continue supporting his administration as efforts are on to assemble worthy hands for the state governance,” the statement read.
The CPS noted that the governor had maintained that no amorphous group or elements can cause disaffection between him and his predecessor, Umahi. (NAN)
