Reporter’s Diary: In Ebonyi, governance is family affair, Nwifuru’s wife is co-gov

By David-Chyddy Eleke

Abakiliki, the capital of Ebonyi State has grown from its former status as a rusty and dusty town to a beautiful sprawling city.

For quite a while, I haven’t had the opportunity of visiting the city, despite being a frequent caller in Ebonyi. This is because I usually sneak into my village through the many routes from Enugu communities, connecting Ohaozara.

Last week, I decided to do a to and fro journey to the village through Abakiliki. The journey to, showed me how beautiful Abakiliki has grown, but the fro journey afforded more opportunities to look around.

My in-law, Chief MacPherson did a good job showing me around. He stopped at the stadium to collect me and also treated me to what he referred to as ‘one bottle for the road’, in a very serene hotel, before we proceeded to his house. It was a beautiful time, and I chopped everything choppable. His friends looked in to welcome me.

After a few experiences, I came to various conclusions about Ebonyi, Abakiliki, governance, security and others.

The only time anyone ever heard something like co-governor was in Cross River State, where then governor, Ben Ayade boldly declared that his younger brother, Frank was his co-governor. And very truly, Frank was powerful and took major decisions in the government then.

In Ebonyi, one can say that something similar to that is happening too. The Wife of the governor, Mrs Mary-Maudline Nwifuru is a co-governor. Besides testimonies of how powerful she is, it could also be seen in the many billboards around the state, especially the capital city.

Any billboard, be it for congratulatory message or other government announcements which didn’t have a picture of the governor and his wife is assumed not to have fulfilled its true reason for being erected. Someone joked that it is pardonable to forget to acknowledge the deputy governor in a public function, but it is surely not to omit madam. Maybe if it was possible for one’s spouse to be his deputy, I’m sure that is what would have been obtainable in Ebonyi.

Night life is thriving in Abakiliki. After being treated to several meals within a short period, I decided to go back to the first hotel where I drank with Chief, to ask for a bed space. I was told it was booked full.

The staff there directed me to another hotel not so far away. I entered the hotel and saw young people swarming around the premises, and loud music blasting from the bar. I saw young ladies who looked like women of easy virtue, and I told myself I won’t stay here. But of course, what else do I want but a bed space? So I approached the receptionist, but I was told the hotel was booked full. I visited one other and was told same, then I got lucky with another and I checked in. I didn’t know Abakiliki could be that bubbly. I was impressed.

Beautiful city, hungry people – can best describe Abakiliki. A hotel guest with whom I sat and discussed the next morning told me government was practically choking residents with policies.

“Our city is growing, but there are almost no opportunities for our young people here. Go and ask civil servants how much they pay them and compare it with other states and you will know what I mean. The only business that is viable here is government. If you’re not linked to the people in power, forget it. Few cups of rice distributed to residents can be termed empowerment, and jobless boys wielding android phones will fall over themselves to post it on social media.” I found this really appalling.

Security is tight. I was really impressed that Sunday night as I scampered around looking for accommodation. Operatives of Ebubeagu mounted guard in every street, and even though it was late, people moved about without fear.

Abakiliki is generally neat, the people obey traffic light. I was shocked when I noticed this. The streets are neat, and even though it was a Sunday, motorists, even tricycle operators who can be considered outlaws always waited for the light to turn green before they proceeded.

Nwifuru is not satisfied with the number of infrastructure, especially flyover bridges built by his predecessor, Engr Dave Umahi. More flyovers are springing up, and one guy noted that very soon, the number of flyovers in Abakiliki will be more than the number of cars in the city.

On the whole, I’m impressed with what Umahi did in Ebonyi, and where Nwifuru is taking it. But I only charge him, “as you build infrastructure, don’t forget to prioritize stomach infrastructure. That is very important.”