Francis Nwufuru, the governor of Ebonyi State, has threatened to sack any council chairman who fails to win his area for the ruling-All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 elections.
Nwifuru gave the warning on Tuesday, September 1, as he inaugurated the new Chairmen and Vice Chairmen of the 13 local government areas of the state.
Speaking in Abakiliki, Nwifuru said: “Any chairman who fails to win his council will be removed from office and replaced with a councillor.
“I want this information to be on the headlines of newspapers because, as politicians, we would not speak in secret.
“The chairmen know we would win in the state and if they choose to sleep and allow others take their areas, they would be removed.”
He told the chairmen that “charity begins from home” therefore they should not allow the opposition to thrive in their areas.
He further charged them to do all in their powers to deliver APC 100 per cent in 2027. He urged the Vice Chairmen to work together with their Chairmen and avoid rivalry of any form.
He told them to liken their positions to “spare tyres inside the car boot”.
The governor told the vice chairmen to remember that “it’s only when the tyre refuses to function or collapses irreversibly that they can function.
“You should always be available to the chairmen and ask them of your councils’ daily activities.
“Do not listen to gossip and ill advice from your friends against your chairmen because that will destroy your relationship with them,” he said.
Nwifuru used his deputy as an example. He said she was a former council chairman and nobody knew she would end up becoming a deputy governor today.
“She performed in ways people saw her and believe she could do the work of a deputy governor.
“My deputy is doing the work perfectly and presently enjoying the position,” the governor said.