The Ebonyi State Government has declared that Governor Francis Nwifuru will not be distracted by what it described as “political theatrics, sponsored attacks and staged protests” ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Chief Ikeuwa Omebeh, made the assertion in a statement issued in Abakaliki on Wednesday, accusing unnamed political interests of attempting to substitute propaganda for facts and distract the administration from its development agenda.

Omebeh urged Ebonyians to disregard what he described as “orchestrated distractions,” insisting that the governor remained focused on governance and the implementation of his People’s Charter of Needs agenda.

He said the government recognised the constitutional right of citizens to peaceful protest and legitimate criticism but warned that such rights should not be exploited to mislead the public, create tension or undermine the state.

“Governor Nwifuru remains focused, undistracted and committed to delivering on his mandate. His Excellency will not be distracted by political theatrics, sponsored attacks or attempts to divert his attention from the task of building a more prosperous, peaceful and developed Ebonyi State,” Omebeh said.

The commissioner said recent media publications, social media narratives and protests against the administration appeared designed to distract attention from its activities in infrastructure, education, healthcare, workers’ welfare, rural development, human capital development and empowerment.

He challenged critics to subject their allegations to facts and allow citizens to assess the administration through its projects and programmes.

“Let the people visit the communities, inspect the projects and speak directly with the beneficiaries of government programmes. The evidence of governance is visible across the State,” he said.

Omebeh maintained that political opposition was inevitable in a democratic society but argued that constructive criticism should not be replaced with what he called misinformation and politically motivated attacks.

He said the Nwifuru administration remained open to legitimate criticism and constructive suggestions, stressing that criticism must be founded on facts, patriotism and concern for the common good.

The commissioner also cautioned youths against allowing themselves to be used as instruments in political campaigns aimed at destabilising the state or distracting government from its responsibilities.

He said Ebonyi required unity and development-focused engagement rather than “manufactured controversies capable of undermining public confidence.”

According to him, the administration’s performance should be measured by its impact on the lives of residents rather than the volume of criticism against it.

“Development is not measured by the volume of criticism it generates, but by its impact on the lives of the people,” Omebeh said.

He assured Ebonyians that Nwifuru would remain focused on governance despite political pressure, adding that the administration would continue to pursue programmes aimed at improving the welfare and living conditions of citizens.

The Benue State Government has challenged the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, and its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to identify the government aide they accused of stopping Obi’s convoy from accessing Yelewata community in the state.

Chief Press Secretary to Governor Hyacinth Alia, Tersoo Kula, also called on Obi and the party to produce evidence to substantiate their allegation, stressing that the government was willing to support a police investigation into the incident.

Kula made the remarks on Wednesday while appearing on The Morning Show, an Arise TV programme.

According to him, the state government was not aware of the incident when it occurred and only became aware after photographs showing the alleged obstruction emerged online.

He said: “The incident was completely unknown to the government until we started seeing pictures of what was happening.

But before you say, Jack, they addressed the press and accused the governor of blocking his way. Now, the governor has become an accused person.

“I challenged them that they should name that aide. They mentioned a particular aide, and we said they should go ahead and mention him.

If there’s any evidence, the police commissioner should ensure that the person who directed this is arrested and brought to book. These are easy assignments. They have the ability to do it.”

Kula maintained that if the alleged aide was identified and evidence established his involvement, the appropriate authorities should take action against him.

Addressing concerns over insecurity across Benue, the governor’s spokesman acknowledged the challenges confronting residents but said the situation was not exclusive to the state.

He said: “What is happening in Benue State is somehow difficult to understand. What is happening to Benue State in respect to insecurity is happening to other states.

It’s not peculiar to Benue. But there is no excuse saying that because it’s happening to other states, we should be comfortable.

We are not comfortable. The reverend father has said to you earlier that he is not comfortable and he is not sleeping in ensuring that the insecurity is reduced to the barest minimum.

We now have what we can describe as relative peace in the state.”

He added that the state government remained concerned about insecurity and was committed to reducing the threat to the lowest possible level.