Nwifuru takes oath of office, urges opponents to withdraw suits

New Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Nwifuru, alongside his deputy, Patricia Obila, were sworn in, yesterday, as governor and deputy governor of the state, respectively.

Speaking shortly after his inauguration at Pa Ngele Township Stadium, Nwifuru said he would govern the state with love and fear of God, appealing to his opponents in the March 18 governorship election to withdraw their suits challenging his victory.

According to him, his administration came on the divine mandate, and will anchor its programmes and policies on the inspiration that comes from a ‘godly’ movement, saying it is necessary for development and progress of the state.

He said: “I beg those who contested the March 18 governorship elections with me to join us in this journey, and offer their ideas to develop the state.

“I publicly plead with them to withdraw their petitions against me, as that would make us more unified. This will make us Ebonyi people, and its leadership to be focused in discharging the enormous responsibility facing it.

“I assure all my political opponents, irrespective of political differences, of a harmonious partnership. Together we shall build Ebonyi. This is because everything on earth happens the way God wants it.”

Nwifuru thanked the Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Stanley Okoro-Emegha, for his doggedness and steadfastness in upholding ideals of the party in the state.

He stressed the victory recorded by the party in the state in the last general elections wouldn’t have been easy without the gracefulness and vision of the chairman.

In his earlier address, immediate past governor of the state, David Umahi, announced the dissolution of recently employed staff of the Muhammadu Buhari International Airport, Onueke.

While appealing to Ebonyi people to forgive him, Umahi said: “Those I offended, please forgive; and those who offended me, may action and reaction balance themselves, urging Nwifuru to govern the state with the fear and love of God.