The Peoples Democratic Party Youth Leader in Ebonyi State, Francis Okechukwu, has condemned Governor Francis Nwifuru’s threat to sack the newly elected chairmen of local government areas in the state.
According to the PDP youth leader, Nwifuru’s statement was not only undemocratic but also signalled a mockery of the constitutional foundations that established local government areas across the federation.
Nwifuru, while inaugurating the newly elected chairmen on Wednesday, said, “If you don’t deliver your local government area for APC during the elections, you will be removed.”
Speaking to journalists on Sunday in Abakaliki, the PDP chieftain condemned the governor’s perceived high-handedness, saying he was quick to forget the non-violent processes that brought him to power.
He said, “Walking the path of the Constitution is not weakness; it is strength. We will not be intimidated into silence or forced into submission. Our commitment is to the rule of law, free and fair elections, and the fundamental rights of every citizen to associate, campaign and vote according to their conscience.”
He called on PDP youths across the 13 local government areas of Ebonyi State to remain law-abiding at all times while standing firm against any form of violence or intimidation designed to prevent them from exercising their constitutional rights.
He added, “We urge our members to resist every attempt to suppress legitimate political activity. Violence is not an option, but neither is surrender. We will defend our democratic space within the bounds of the law.”
The PDP youth leader further reminded Nwifuru of the exalted status and responsibilities of a state governor under the Nigerian Constitution. A governor, he noted, is the chief security officer and the highest elected public servant in the state, is expected to protect the rights of all citizens regardless of political affiliation, uphold the Constitution and foster an atmosphere of peace and fairness.
“A governor who threatens elected local government officials and directs them to crush the opposition has abandoned the moral and constitutional high ground required of that office. Leadership is not about instilling fear; it is about inspiring confidence through good governance,” he said.
He warned that any attempt to turn local government chairmen into agents of political persecution would be resisted through every lawful means available, including recourse to the courts, the Independent National Electoral Commission, security agencies and the court of public opinion.
He called on civil society organisations, traditional institutions, the media and the international community to take note of the governor’s remarks and join in defending the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic process in Ebonyi State.