Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has dismissed claims that his predecessor, Sen. David Umahi, controls his administration.
Nwifuru made the assertion at a lecture to mark his second anniversary in office.
He clarified that while he has worked closely with Umahi for over 16 years and values his mentorship, all decisions and actions taken by his government are his own.
“I am logically stubborn, and Umahi knows that. He has never dictated my actions, and if he tried, I would resist,” he said.
Nwifuru emphasised that any shortcomings in his leadership are his responsibility alone.
“If Umahi truly controlled me, I’d probably be a better leader.”
He also praised Sen. Onyekachi Nwebonyi for defending the state’s dignity at a Senate hearing.
He urged them stakeholders to continue standing up for Ebonyi’s integrity.
The governor thanked contributors at the event and committed to addressing issues raised under the theme: “Beyond Celebration: Navigating Public Expectation and Developmental Demands in the Next Two Years.”
Former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim and ex-Governor Sam Egwu commended Nwifuru’s progress, particularly in urban renewal and education.
Guest lecturer Prof. Eugene Nweke encouraged continued efforts to improve the state’s development indicators.
