Press Release, August 5, 2024
#EbonyiEmpowermentProgram2024: Stop Politicizing Poverty Alleviation; PDP Media Director Southeast Warns Ebonyi State Government
My attention has been drawn to a media statement credited to His Excellency Ogbonnaya Nwifuru Francis, Governor of Ebonyi State, on a purported #EmpowermentProgram being speculated by his media team. This is an attempt to divert public attention from the realities of life, where the people of the state continue to suffer due to the illusion of similar exercises organized in the past, which turned out to be futile efforts by the previous administration of His Excellency David Nweze Umahi. This produced billionaires only on Facebook and WhatsApp platforms.
Sadly, the Ebonyi State government has failed in its responsibility to create people-oriented policies to cushion the devastating effects of subsidy removal. It is worth noting that the WhatsApp platforms created by the so-called coordinators of the empowerment program in different local governments have been hijacked by party executives jostling to be enlisted for the government’s exercise. The said platform has successfully recorded an influx of over 1,000 people in each council area in less than 24 hours of its announcement.
The Ebonyi PDP has been vindicated over the years regarding the mismanagement of public funds coupled with the outcry under the All Progressive’s Congress. Moreover, one of the local government chairmen vowed to ensure that all the lists submitted to the governor are majorly party faithful. The council boss asserted, “Since the inception of the current administration, Nwifuru has kept mute on the plight of our members, especially those who worked tirelessly, even carrying ballot boxes to ensure their emergence in the 2023 general election.”
We also have credible reports that the governor made a budgetary provision of ₦1.13 billion to be splashed on his party men and women as empowerment, when the state’s economic emancipation has become a shadow of itself under his Excellency, the Governor.
The Ebonyi State government is hereby warned to desist from impoverishing the people. Instead, create a conducive atmosphere where businesses can thrive, and the people can take care of their needs without government palliatives. The people of the state should be mindful of scammers masquerading as the governor’s aides when the list of those deemed fit for the program has already been submitted.
May God never allow us to qualify for government palliatives when we can engage in gainful employment opportunities and live a life of our dreams. The government should be transparent and shun parochial interests inimical to the wellbeing of our people, devoid of political affiliation.
God bless Ebonyi State.
Hon. Nwafor Richard Nwali (Marvelous)
Media Director, Southeast
People’s Democratic Party.
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