Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru has fired back at socialite and businessman Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, dismissing his criticism of the state government and describing him as a “noisemaker” and “nobody.”
Nwifuru made the remarks during an All Progressives Congress rally in Ebonyi, where he responded to recent comments by the socialite questioning his administration’s performance.
Cubana Chief Priest had criticised the governor and questioned the pace of development in Ebonyi, reportedly arguing that major projects should have been completed after almost three years in office. He has also backed the Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate, Ifeanyi Odii, ahead of the 2027 election.
Governor rejects criticism
Responding to the criticism, Nwifuru said he had no time for the socialite and dismissed his political relevance.
The governor’s response marks an escalation in an increasingly public political disagreement involving one of Nigeria’s best-known social media personalities and the Ebonyi State government.
Chief Priest’s intervention is significant because his public profile extends well beyond Ebonyi, giving his political statements considerable visibility on social media.
However, Nwifuru’s response suggests that the governor does not regard the criticism as a serious threat to his administration or political standing.
Politics ahead of 2027
The exchange comes at a time when political activities are already intensifying in Ebonyi ahead of the 2027 elections.
The state government and the APC have continued to mobilise supporters, while opposition figures are seeking to challenge the ruling party’s dominance.
The dispute also illustrates the growing role of celebrities, entertainers and social media personalities in Nigeria’s political conversations. Statements that once would have remained within local political circles can now quickly become national talking points.
Neither the governor’s criticism nor Chief Priest’s earlier comments, however, resolves the substantive question of the administration’s performance. Those issues will ultimately be judged by Ebonyi voters and the electorate’s assessment of the state’s development record.
For now, the political exchange has added another layer of drama to the state’s unfolding 2027 contest.