Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has dismissed rumours circulating on social media that he recently travelled abroad to attend to a health condition.
Speaking in Abakaliki on Wednesday during the celebration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary and the 29th anniversary of Ebonyi State’s creation, the governor said he was surprised to hear such insinuations while he was away on official duty.
The governor revealed that the rumours even unsettled his family, as his father called to confirm his wellbeing.
He assured the people of the state that he was hale and hearty, stressing that the speculation arose from misinterpreting his calm and humble disposition as weakness.
“We have given people lots of privileges, but do not push a man to the wall,” Nwifuru warned.
“I was, however, encouraged by the fact that if you are not important, no one will talk about you.”
He further cautioned against underestimating his leadership style, urging the youth in particular not to mistake his humility for lack of resolve.
“This does not mean that we cannot bite, but I don’t want us to start biting,” the governor said.
“When you see a man who is calm, be careful of him. When I recall my rough road to where I am presently, I decide to take things easy.”
Gov Nwifuru dismisses rumours of ill-health