Senator Peter Onyekachi Nwebonyi, the Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, has publicly dismissed rumours of a political agreement limiting Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State to a single term in office. He declared the governor's second term as non-negotiable.
Senator Denies Tenure Pact, Vows to Unite Izhi People
Speaking at his country home in Mbeke Isieke, Ebonyi Local Government Area on Friday, Senator Nwebonyi, who represents Ebonyi North, labelled the speculation as false and misleading. He described it as a calculated attempt by a minority to sow division among the Izhi people through what he termed the "politics of kindred dichotomy."
"My brother, Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, will serve two tenures because it is four plus four," Nwebonyi stated emphatically. He stressed that the governor holds a joint political mandate for two four-year terms. The senator further emphasized unity, stating, "We have learnt our lessons and will not allow anyone to divide the Izhi people."
Massive Infrastructure Drive Announced for 2026
Beyond the political assurances, Senator Nwebonyi shifted focus to developmental projects. He announced that a tour of ongoing and completed state projects will commence soon. Significantly, he revealed plans for extensive road construction set to begin in January 2026.
"Road construction will be very massive come 2026," he proclaimed. "As a senator, we build quality roads and solid projects, and more are coming. When we tour the project sites in Ebonyi North, people will see that we are seriously committed to delivering the dividends of democracy to our people." He reaffirmed his full support for Governor Nwifuru's administration, praising the governor's commitment to sustainable development and statewide unity.
Lawmaker Laments Local Contractors Slowing Education Projects
In a related development concerning state projects, a separate concern was raised about the education sector. Barrister Nwodo Aloysius Nwodo, Chairman of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly Committee on Education, expressed deep worry over slow-paced school development projects.
Reacting to the 2025–2026 budget presented by Governor Nwifuru—where education received a historic allocation of over 72%—Nwodo blamed the delays on the "unfortunate attitude of local contractors." The lawmaker, representing Ebonyi North-West Constituency, pointed out a stark contradiction: "Our problem is ourselves. The problem the state is having is the contractors, and the contractors are none other than the people of this state."
He lamented that despite the unprecedented budget investment, many pilot school renovation and construction projects have not met expectations, with indigenous contractors being the primary bottleneck.
