Stakeholders in Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi have qpplauded Gov. Francis Nwifuru for promoting peace, political cohesion and inclusive governance.
The stakeholders spoke Thursday at an All Progressives Congress (APC) mega rally in Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi ahead of the Aug. 22 local government elections.
The member representing Ohaozara-Onicha-Ivo Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Chief Nkemkama Kama, said the rally demonstrated the APC’s popularity and the confidence of the people in the Nwifuru administration.
“There’s only one party and that party is APC.l; it’s a party affair, it’s a local government affair. It went very well, as you can see,” Kama said.
He urged elected and incoming local government officials to prioritise accountability, service and legacy, stressing that governance should translate into tangible benefits for the people.
“Nobody knows it all; nobody has it all, nobody is perfect and the only thing we can offer is a word of advice: build your own; try to leave legacies,” he added.
The lawmaker also urged opposition parties to make their criticisms constructive and evidence-based, saying the APC-led government would respond to allegations with verifiable projects and records.
He particularly praised Nwifuru for bringing political stakeholders together, describing the governor’s approach as inclusive and crediting it with the prevailing peace in the state.
“People are looking for recognition, relevance and importance; the governor has been able to make everybody feel important, part and parcel of the government, and has brought everybody together,” he said.
He described Nwifuru as possessing “native intelligence” and political dexterity, adding that peace remained fundamental to development.
“Peace is the fundamental, the bedroom of every development you can think of. Without peace, people will not gather here,” he said.
The Executive Chairman of Ivo LGA, Chief Emmanuel Ajah, said his administration had prioritised infrastructure, education, security, empowerment and community reconciliation.
“My greatest achievement is peace that I brought in; unity, peace and security are pivotal for any meaningful development to take place and I can beat my chest to say that my administration succeeded in this area,” Ajah said.
Chief Chief Stanley Okoro-Emegha, the APC State Chairman, in his address urged voters to reject what he called “politics of gambling” and uphold zoning, equity and power rotation.
He also called on the electorate to support APC candidates in the Aug. 22 election, citing the administration’s interventions under its People’s Charter of Needs agenda.
Presenting the APC flag to the party’s chairmanship candidate for Ivo, the Deputy Governor, Mrs Patricia Obila, urged voters to remain united and support candidates capable of consolidating the government’s development agenda at the grassroots.
Other stakeholders, including lawmakers, commissioners, former council officials and community leaders, expressed support for the APC and commended the governor’s emphasis on peace, unity and development.
The rally attracted politicians; traditional rulers, religious leaders, youths, students, academics, business operators and market women, with party leaders urging supporters to translate the mobilisation into electoral participation.
