The Ebonyi State Commissioner for Commerce and Business Development, Chief Oguzor Offia-Nwali, has dismissed claims by the Association of Ebonyi Indigenes Socio-Cultural in the Diaspora (AEISCID) that Governor Francis Nwifuru does not deserve a second term in office, describing the allegations as misleading, false and inconsistent with realities on the ground.

AEISCID had, in a statement circulated in the media, argued that Governor Nwifuru’s administration lacked the performance record required to justify re-election in the 2027 governorship election.

The group cited projects such as the Vanco flyover and tunnel, the ICT University at Oferekpe Agbaja, and civil servants’ housing projects as examples of what it described as failed government initiatives.

However, speaking with journalists in Abakaliki on Thursday, Offia-Nwali rejected the allegations and accused the group of acting as a political tool for opposition interests.

According to him, the claim that Governor Nwifuru has not recorded significant achievements is not only misleading but also grossly inconsistent with developments across the state.

“Our attention has been drawn to the statement issued by the Association of Ebonyi Indigenes Socio-Cultural in the Diaspora on June 25, 2026, alleging that Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has failed to deliver on governance and therefore does not deserve a second term in office,” he said.

“While we respect the constitutional right of individuals and groups to express differing political opinions, public discourse must be anchored on facts, objectivity and verifiable evidence rather than conjecture and sweeping generalisations.”

The commissioner argued that in less than three years in office, Governor Nwifuru has demonstrated visionary leadership through the implementation of his administration’s People’s Charter of Needs agenda.

Highlighting achievements in the education sector, Offia-Nwali said the administration had awarded scholarships to 1,000 students, including 300 studying in universities in the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada, while 700 others were enrolled in Nigerian universities under government sponsorship.

He added that the administration had also embarked on the construction and rehabilitation of schools, upgraded the Ebonyi State College of Education to a degree-awarding institution, increased Ebonyi State University’s monthly subvention from N150 million to N300 million, reduced tuition fees and improved infrastructure within the institution.

On human capital development, the commissioner said the government lifted the embargo on employment, recruited over 2,000 teachers, employed medical personnel and judicial officers, approved promotions and conversions for civil servants, and empowered thousands of youths and women through grants and empowerment programmes.

He further stated that the administration had rehabilitated and equipped all 13 general hospitals in the state, revitalised 171 primary healthcare centres, procured ambulances, MRI and CT scan machines, constructed doctors’ quarters and reactivated the state health insurance scheme.

In the area of infrastructure, Offia-Nwali said the government had embarked on major road and bridge construction projects across the 13 local government areas, including the Vanco Junction, Nwezenyi and Nwofe flyovers, the Odomoke Unity Bridge and several rural road projects.

He also cited the construction of housing estates for civil servants, traditional rulers and victims of communal crises as evidence of the administration’s commitment to improving welfare.

The commissioner noted that the government had revitalised agriculture through fertiliser distribution, support for women farmers, establishment of Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones and the revival of the state hatchery.

According to him, the administration has also promoted peace and social cohesion by resolving longstanding communal disputes and strengthening local governance structures.

He further listed the revival of state-owned industries, expansion of the EBOCAB transportation scheme, improved water supply infrastructure and the establishment of new tertiary institutions, including the ICT University, Oferekpe, and the Aeronautical University, Onueke, among the administration’s achievements.

“It is difficult to reconcile these verifiable achievements with the narrative being advanced by AEISCID,” he said.

While acknowledging that democracy thrives on constructive criticism, Offia-Nwali stressed that criticism should be balanced, evidence-based and fair.

He urged groups and individuals to support ongoing efforts to accelerate development in the state rather than engage in activities capable of distracting the government from its responsibilities.

“The present administration remains focused on delivering democratic dividends to the people. Governance should not be derailed by politically motivated narratives,” he said.

The commissioner maintained that Governor Nwifuru remains committed to the full implementation of the People’s Charter of Needs agenda and expressed confidence that the people of Ebonyi State would ultimately judge the administration based on its performance.

He added that many stakeholders across the state had continued to express support for the governor’s re-election bid ahead of the 2027 governorship election.