Ebonyi: Ogah gives CSOs 21-day ultimatum to retract non-performance claims against Nwifuru
Member representing Ikwo/Ezza South Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Chinedu Ogah, has given a coalition of civil society organisations in Ebonyi state a 21-day ultimatum to retract allegations of poor governance levelled against the state government following its failure to qualify for the World Bank-supported HOPE Governance Programme Performance-Based Incentive Grant.
Ogah, in a statement issued through his media office, demanded that the coalition publicly apologise to Governor Francis Nwifuru, describing its claims as false, misleading and politically motivated. He warned that failure to comply within the stipulated period could result in legal action.
The lawmaker was reacting to a recent statement by the coalition, led by the Human Rights Volunteer Corps, Human Rights Action Group and Good Living Initiative, which claimed Ebonyi lost the opportunity to access about 27 million dollars under the World Bank programme after failing to meet governance and public financial management performance indicators.
The coalition had alleged that the state failed to publish key fiscal documents within stipulated timelines, including its budget, citizens’ budgets and financial reports, leading to its disqualification from the performance-based incentive grant. It also claimed the development exposed weaknesses in fiscal transparency, budget implementation and institutional governance.
However, Ogah dismissed the allegations, insisting that Governor Nwifuru had demonstrated prudence and accountability in managing the state’s resources since assuming office. According to him, the administration had neither borrowed from local nor foreign financial institutions but had instead paid about 80 per cent of debts inherited from previous administrations.
He further stated that the government had prioritised economic diversification through the development of the Industrial City in Ezzamgbo, the rehabilitation of Nigercem and other investments designed to create employment opportunities for youths across the state.
The federal lawmaker also maintained that the administration had improved residents’ welfare and enhanced security across the state, arguing that such achievements deserved commendation rather than criticism.
Ogah accused the civil society organisations of allowing themselves to be used by opposition elements to discredit the state government.
He challenged the coalition to produce evidence that Governor Nwifuru had obtained any loan since assuming office and urged them to verify their claims with the Debt Management Office.
“I am giving them 21 days to retract those false allegations against the Ebonyi State Government and apologise to the governor. Some people allow their political interests to push them into destroying the image of Ebonyi State through false publications and cyberbullying. They should withdraw the statement and apologise,” he said.
The coalition had earlier maintained that Ebonyi’s failure to qualify for the World Bank incentive grant reflected shortcomings in fiscal transparency, public financial management and budget implementation, while urging the state government to strengthen governance reforms, improve accountability and enhance public access to financial information.