2027: ‎ ‎'We Stand with Nwifuru'- Umuekumenyi Stakeholders Disown Alleged Leaders' Council

‎ ‎A group known as Concerned Sons and Daughters of Umuekumenyi and Supporters of Good Governance in Ebonyi State has distanced the Umuekumenyi people from a recent communiqué allegedly issued by an organization identifying itself as the "Umuekumenyi Leaders' Council," describing the document as unauthorized, politically motivated, and unrepresentative of the community's collective position. ‎

‎In a statement signed by Henry Onyebuchi Nworie, the group maintained that the purported council is neither a recognized umbrella body of Umuekumenyi people nor mandated to speak on behalf of the clan. ‎ ‎The group accused the authors of the communiqué of attempting to misrepresent the views of the people while disregarding what it described as the visible achievements of the administration of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru across the state.

‎ ‎According to the statement, Governor Nwifuru's administration has recorded notable successes in human capital development, infrastructure, education, healthcare, youth and women empowerment, as well as peace and security since assuming office in May 2023. ‎ ‎The group cited the award of scholarships to thousands of students, recruitment of teachers and healthcare personnel, empowerment programmes for youths and women, road construction and rehabilitation projects, renovation of schools, upgrading of healthcare facilities, and inclusive governance initiatives as evidence of the governor's commitment to development. ‎ ‎It further questioned the credibility of the self-acclaimed Umuekumenyi Leaders' Council, noting that no recognized traditional institution, town union, youth body, women group, or socio-cultural organization within the clan had publicly endorsed the group or authorized it to speak on behalf of the people. ‎ ‎"A group that lacks legitimacy cannot arrogate to itself the authority to determine the political direction of Ebonyi State or claim representation of an entire clan," the statement said. ‎ ‎The concerned stakeholders urged residents to assess governments based on tangible achievements rather than politically driven declarations, insisting that Governor Nwifuru's impact remains evident in communities through ongoing development projects and improved welfare programmes. ‎ ‎The group consequently rejected the communiqué in its entirety, stressing that it reflected only the opinions of its authors and not the position of the wider Umuekumenyi community. ‎ ‎Reaffirming confidence in Governor Nwifuru's leadership, the stakeholders commended his administration's commitment to peace, unity, and development, adding that history would judge leaders by their achievements and service to the people rather than political sensationalism. ‎ ‎