Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru has responded to criticism from celebrity socialite Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, after the businessman called on the governor to step down from office.
Cubana Chief Priest had questioned Governor Nwifuru’s performance in office, particularly the number of major projects commissioned in the state since he assumed office. He reportedly questioned how a governor could spend nearly three years in office without having major projects commissioned by the President or other state governors.
The remarks drew a response from Nwifuru, who appeared to dismiss the criticism while speaking about Cubana Chief Priest.
“I don’t have time for Cubana Chief Priest, but if I remember him…” the governor said.
Nwifuru’s response has since attracted attention, particularly because it came after the socialite directly challenged his administration and called for his resignation.
Cubana Chief Priest, who is known for his strong presence on social media and frequent commentary on public issues, has previously used his platforms to express his opinions about political leadership and governance.
The latest exchange places the Ebonyi governor and the celebrity figure at the centre of a growing public conversation over the governor’s performance and development projects in the state.
Nwifuru became governor of Ebonyi State in May 2023 after winning the 2023 governorship election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Since taking office, his administration has highlighted various infrastructure and development initiatives across the state.
However, Cubana Chief Priest’s criticism has shifted attention toward the visibility and commissioning of major projects, with the socialite questioning whether the governor has done enough during his time in office.
The governor’s brief response, meanwhile, suggests that he does not consider the criticism from Cubana Chief Priest significant enough to warrant his attention.
As the exchange continues to generate reactions online, attention is likely to remain on the projects delivered by the Ebonyi State Government and the wider debate over how governors should be assessed during their tenure.
