24th September, 2026 | News

Nwifuru Warns Ebonyi LG Chairmen Against Using Public Office for Quick Wealth

Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru has warned newly inaugurated local government chairmen and council officials against using public office as a means of accumulating wealth, urging them to prioritise transparency, accountability and service to their communities.

Nwifuru gave the warning on Wednesday in Abakaliki while unveiling a three-day capacity-building workshop organised by the Ebonyi State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters.

The workshop brought together newly inaugurated council chairmen and vice chairmen, Heads of Personnel Management, treasurers, Planning, Research and Statistics officers, and development centre coordinators.

Nwifuru: Public Funds Must Be Used Lawfully

Addressing the participants, Nwifuru described public office as a responsibility that should be exercised in the interest of citizens at the grassroots.

He urged the officials to carefully consider the consequences of their decisions and resist pressure to engage in wrongdoing.

The governor said public funds must be handled in accordance with the law and subjected to transparent and accountable processes.

He also encouraged the officials to maintain their integrity throughout their tenure and ensure that their actions contribute positively to their communities.

Governor Urges Officials to Resist Improper Pressure

Nwifuru advised the local government officials to continually assess their conduct and place the collective interests of their constituencies ahead of personal interests.

He warned that officials who succumb to improper pressure could face consequences for their decisions and urged them to protect their professional reputations beyond their time in office.

The governor’s message focused on responsible management of public resources and the importance of maintaining public trust in local government administration.

Commissioner Calls for Corruption-Free Councils

The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Uchenna Igwe, also urged the participants to establish administrative environments that reject corruption.

Igwe said transparent administrative practices should become an integral part of the operations of the state’s local government leadership.

The capacity-building workshop is intended to strengthen the officials’ knowledge and improve their effectiveness in grassroots administration.

Ebonyi ALGON Leadership Welcomes Training

Responding on behalf of the local government leadership, the Chairman of the Ebonyi State chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Helen Aduga, described the workshop as timely and important for strengthening officials’ operational knowledge.

Similarly, Chairman of the Ebonyi State Coordinators’ Forum, Chidi Ogbonna, described the training as an important educational initiative for improving grassroots governance across the state.

The workshop comes as the newly inaugurated council officials begin their responsibilities across Ebonyi’s local government areas.