Abakaliki, June 30, 2025 | Saltcity News
Ebonyi-born social media critic and political commentator, Nwoba Chika Nwoba (NCN), has openly criticized Governor Francis Nwifuru’s recent move to engage billionaire businessman Chief Cletus Oragwa (Zenco) regarding the revitalization of the long-abandoned NIGERCEM Cement Factory in Nkalagu.
Governor Nwifuru had earlier today announced the constitution of a 15-member committee tasked with interfacing with Chief Oragwa, with the aim of bringing the cement factory back to life. The committee was given two weeks to return with practical results.
However, Nwoba Chika, known for his bold and controversial takes on governance in Ebonyi State, expressed deep concerns over the governor’s approach. In a lengthy social media post, he described the move as “wrong” and questioned the feasibility of attracting someone of Zenco’s financial stature for state contracts.
“Dear Gov. Nwifuru, it’s wrong to beg Chief Cletus Oragwa (Zenco) to come take contracts in Ebonyi State,” he wrote. “How much do we have to spill on these guys whose money is bigger than Ebonyi’s in 10 years put together?”
Chika went further to suggest that Zenco is unlikely to accept such offers, emphasizing that the billionaire may not be swayed by the state’s limited financial capacity.
He also accused the governor of trying to force himself into elite social circles, stating:
“You so much desire to be in the circle of socialites, but you can’t learn lefthand at old age. You didn’t start with them. That circle you want to break into won’t take you seriously.”
Chika questioned the rationale behind the governor’s consistent engagement with contractors from outside the state, particularly alleging that over ₦30 billion worth of projects have been awarded to a select group of contractors, notably the immediate past Speaker of Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Edward Ubosi, without commensurate delivery.
“These guys are not delivering because they see it as you recognizing and settling them… Who are you competing with? As a governor, you are bigger than any socialite. So why force yourself on them?”
In his concluding remarks, Nwoba Chika warned that the administration’s current trajectory may roll back the gains of past administrations and betray the hope many placed in Governor Nwifuru.
“Your Excellency, this is not how to govern a state. You’re taking us aback, and it’s unfortunate it’s coming from someone like you who has tasted what has been our bane over the years.”
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