Jelili Gbadamosi
The Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Nwifuru has dismissed reports alleging that he threatened the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, describing the claims as false and politically motivated.
The Ebonyi State Government said the reports were intended to create unnecessary tension between Governor Francis Nwifuru and Wike following remarks made during a political rally held on June 15, 2026, at the Pa Ngele Oruta Township Stadium in Abakaliki.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Ikeuwa Omebe, said factions of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) deliberately misrepresented the governor’s comments to fuel political controversy.
According to Omebe, Nwifuru’s remarks were directed at individuals allegedly causing unrest in Ebonyi State while claiming to be acting on behalf of Wike, not at the FCT minister himself.
He explained that the governor’s use of the word “consume” was intended as a warning that anyone engaging in unlawful acts or attempting to destabilize the state would face the full weight of the law, rather than a personal threat against Wike.
Omebe further emphasized that Nwifuru and Wike enjoy a cordial relationship built on mutual respect.
“Governor Francis Nwifuru and Barrister Nyesom Wike maintain mutual respect. Therefore, the governor has no reason to make any threat or negative comment against him,” he said.
The commissioner accused some PDP factions and sections of the media of deliberately twisting the governor’s statement in an attempt to create a rift between the two political leaders.
He also urged the PDP to focus on addressing its internal challenges instead of launching what he described as baseless attacks against the Ebonyi State Government.
According to Omebe, the opposition party has been weakened by internal divisions and no longer poses a significant political challenge to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ebonyi State.
He added that the people of Ebonyi remain firmly behind Governor Nwifuru’s administration and would demonstrate their support during the 2027 general elections, insisting that attempts to sow discord between the governor and Wike would not succeed.
