Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has urged his aides and political stakeholders in the state not to begin campaigning for a second tenure for him yet.
The Governor made the statement during a Praise night to usher in the 2024 Christmas celebration.
The event was held Friday at the Christian Ecumenical Centre, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State capital.
It was organised by the State government in collaboration with the State branch of the Christian Association of Nigeria.
Nwifuru emphasized that his major concentration at the moment was to continue delivering quality leadership to the people for the remaining years of his present tenure, adding that he would not like to be distracted in that committed effort.
He however implored his political subordinates to use the period of the yuletide to showcase to the people, and inform them of the laudable policies and programmes of government and all that the administration has done to better their lots within its one year and seven months.
Nwifuru said: “We are not asking for votes again now; the time for vote is coming.
“If we are interested in coming back, we will call you and tell you when the time comes.
“For now, we are concentrating on delivering on your present mandate to us for the four years.
So, don’t kill yourself campaigning for us in the village but just show what we’ve been able to do as a government for the people.”
The Governor who appreciated the Church and its leaders in the State for being formidable partners in the task of building a greater Ebonyi State, also commended members of his cabinet and other political appointees for their sacrifices.
He expressed pride in the performance and achievements of his administration so far, stating that he has designated May 29, 2025 as a day of reckoning.
“We have done great as far as I’m concerned, and like I told my Council members during our last meeting, we have done noble.
“We’ve sacrificed a lot to make sure that we give peace to our people, and dividends of democracy are being seen by everybody.
“If we are to count what we have done within these one year and seven months, I’m sure that all of you will be shocked and surprised.
“But the day of reckoning is coming, and that will be on 29th May, 2025.
“We will take one week to explain to Ebonyi people what we’ve been able to do with their resources.
“We are your servants, and as long as we are serving you, we should be prudent and answerable for all the resources you put in our hands” the Governor assured.
Delivering a sermon at the event, the Founder and General Overseer of Peculiar People Ministries World Wide, Archbishop Goddy Okafor, charged Christians to develop the heart of praise to God in all situations.
Okafor, the guest preacher and former South East CAN chairman from Abia State, stated that praising God at all times attract divine miracles and guarantees the Christian’s victory over life’s challenges.
In an opening remark, the CAN Chairman, Ebonyi State, Rev. Dr. Scamb Chinedum Nwokolo, described the event as one of the happiest and enjoyable festivals that bring all Christians and churches together in Ebonyi state and which every Christian in the state always, eagerly wait for.
He appreciated Governor Nwifuru for his invaluable support in making the programme a success and for all his assistance to the Church in the state.
Nwokolo enjoined Christians to seize the opportunity of the event to draw closer to Jesus Christ who is the essence of Christmas.
The event featured musical performance by many notable gospel artistes as well as prayers for the nation, the state and its leadership.
