Nwifuru Dismisses Chief Priest's Criticism as Noisemaking

Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru reacted to criticism from popular socialite and businessman Pascal Okechukwu, also known as Chief Priest, who called for Nwifuru to step down due to alleged poor performance in office. Chief Priest criticized Nwifuru for spending nearly three years in office without completing significant projects that would benefit the state, claiming that Ebonyi was lagging in development compared to other South-East states.

He also accused the state's leaders of being "not wise enough" and living in the past. In response, during an All Progressives Congress (APC) rally, Nwifuru dismissed Chief Priest as a "noisemaker" and "nobody," stating he had no time for such criticisms and would only consider Okechukwu if he remembered him.

The exchange highlights the ongoing political tensions in Ebonyi State, especially with the upcoming February 2027 governorship election, where Chief Priest is supporting the PDP candidate Ifeanyi Odii.