Tinubu Intervened to Save Uzodimma's Position, Says Ebonyi Governor
Francis Nwifuru, the governor of Ebonyi State, has disclosed that President Bola Tinubu prevented the removal of Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State as chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum (PGF) when some of his colleagues conspired against him. Nwifuru made this known while speaking at an event endorsing President Tinubu in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi state capital.
The governor's comments come months after reports emerged that governors elected under the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) were planning to remove Uzodimma from his position. The PGF, a platform for Nigerian governors elected under the APC umbrella, had earlier denied these reports, stating that the claim was false and misleading.
Folorunso Aluko, the director general of the forum, issued a denial in a statement on Thursday, May 7, insisting that there was no meeting where such action was taken and that the Imo State governor remains the chairman of the PGF. Aluko added that the secretariat had no knowledge of any resolution to remove Uzodimma and called on the public and media to ignore the reports.
Nwifuru Reveals Tinubu's Role
Speaking on the controversy, Nwifuru explained that some of his colleagues informed him that President Tinubu had issued a directive to remove Uzodimma as chairman of the forum. However, the president used his intelligence to resolve the issue. Nwifuru stated: "Some APC governors connived to remove Uzodimma as PGF chairman, but they failed because of Tinubu’s intelligence."
The Ebonyi governor further emphasized that the PGF remains united and focused on its responsibilities, urging members of the public to disregard any reports suggesting otherwise. The development highlights the internal dynamics within the APC as the party prepares for future political contests.
