The Chief Executive Officer, Immaculate Group of Companies, Mr, Emmanuel Eze and the Ebonyi State Government have disagreed over his rejection of the appointment by Governor Francis Nwifuru as a member of the Ebonyi State Economic Advisory Committee.
The Ebonyi State Government had, through a letter dated August 29, 2025, and signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof Grace Umezuruike, notified Mr. Eze of his appointment by the Governor.
But in a swift reaction, Ezeh, who was the 2023 House of Representatives candidate for the Abakaliki/Izzi Federal Constituency, rejected the appointment, citing the wrong timing of the constitution of the Committee.
Mr. Eze, in a letter dated August 29, 2025, said, “I sincerely appreciate the notification of my appointment to the Ebonyi State Economic Advisory Committee and the confidence it reflects.
“I also firmly believe that such a strategic body, like an Economic Team, is most effective when inaugurated early in an
administration’s tenure, allowing time for meaningful impact.
“After careful reflection, I respectfully decline the appointment. My current role offers a unique platform to contribute constructively to our state’s progress. I remain committed to our shared goal of building a prosperous and inclusive state.”
Reacting, the Special Assistant to the Governor on New Media, Mr. Leo Oketa, said the argument on timing was fundamentally flawed, adding that Economic reforms and strategic development are long-term processes, not tied to political calendars.
“Some critics of Governor Nwifuru have attempted to use the timing of the team’s inauguration—two years into the Governor’s term- as a basis for rejecting the initiative.
“This argument is fundamentally flawed. Economic reforms and strategic development are long-term processes, not tied to political calendars,” he added.
He maintained that Nwifuru chose the right time, “after stabilising key areas of governance and delivering immediate needs to the people, to now launch a forward-looking economic agenda that will outlive his administration. It is both prudent and strategic, not late.
He continued, “No one is indispensable. Let it also be made clear: no single individual is bigger than the collective vision. The Governor has assembled a credible, competent, and diverse team of highly respected professionals with proven national and international track records.
“The refusal of one person to serve does not invalidate the strength or relevance of the team, nor does it suggest that the one who declined is superior to those who have answered the call to duty.”
