Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has responded to remarks attributed to well-known businessman and social media figure, Paschal Okechukwu Chibuike, popularly called Cubana Chief Priest.
The governor spoke while attending a programme in Abakaliki, where he addressed the controversy surrounding the businessman’s recent comments about his government.
Cubana Chief Priest had reportedly challenged Nwifuru’s continued stay in office, questioning the achievements recorded by the Ebonyi administration since the governor assumed office.
He particularly questioned how Nwifuru could have spent several years as governor without attracting President Bola Tinubu or other state governors to formally inaugurate what he described as significant projects.
The statement generated reactions from political figures in Ebonyi, including Chinedu Ogah, who represents Ikwo/Ezza South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.
Ogah condemned the socialite’s criticism, arguing that Cubana Chief Priest lacked the political influence required to pass judgment on the performance of the state government.
The lawmaker also contended that the businessman had no meaningful electoral base or political influence in Ebonyi capable of determining the success or failure of an elected administration.
The development subsequently drew a response from Governor Nwifuru, who appeared to dismiss the criticism rather than engage in a prolonged public dispute.
According to the governor, he was not interested in devoting his attention to Cubana Chief Priest or responding extensively to his remarks.
Nwifuru characterised the businessman as someone seeking public attention and questioned his relevance to the political affairs of Ebonyi State.
The governor said, “I don’t have time for Cubana Chief Priest. He’s a mere attention-seeker and an individual of no consequence. However, if I remember him, I feel sorry for him.”
The exchange has since attracted attention, particularly because it involves a sitting governor and a prominent personality with a large following on social media.
Cubana Chief Priest’s criticism centred largely on the visibility of projects executed by the Nwifuru administration and the absence of high-profile commissioning ceremonies involving the President or other governors.
His comments prompted supporters of the Ebonyi government to defend the governor and challenge the basis of the businessman’s assessment.
Ogah was among those who came to Nwifuru’s defence, arguing that political relevance and electoral strength should be considered when assessing who has the authority to criticise an elected government.
The lawmaker’s reaction added another dimension to the controversy, sparking further discussions among residents and political commentators.
Nwifuru, however, appeared determined not to allow the disagreement to distract from his administration’s activities.
Rather than engage in a detailed defence of his record, the governor chose to dismiss the socialite’s remarks and indicate that he did not consider them worthy of his attention.
The incident has also reignited discussions about the growing role of entertainers, businessmen and social media personalities in political conversations across Nigeria.
Cubana Chief Priest has established a strong online presence and regularly attracts public interest through his comments on social, political and entertainment matters.
The latest disagreement has therefore generated reactions beyond Ebonyi, with social media users debating whether influential personalities should publicly assess the performance of elected officials.
While Cubana Chief Priest questioned the governor’s record and called for his exit, Nwifuru’s response suggests that he does not regard the criticism as politically significant.
The governor maintained his focus on governing the state, leaving the controversy to generate its own public debate.
