Abakaliki, Ebonyi – Emmanuel Eze, the Chief Executive Officer of Immaculate Group of Companies and a former Labour Party candidate for Abakaliki/Izzi Federal Constituency in the 2023 elections, has publicly declined his appointment to the Ebonyi State Economic Advisory Committee, sparking a public disagreement with the state government.

The appointment, made by Governor Francis Nwifuru, was announced via a letter dated August 29, 2025, signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Grace Umezuruike.

Eze’s rejection has drawn attention due to his stated reasons and the state’s sharp response.

In a letter addressed to the governor, Eze expressed gratitude for the appointment but argued that the timing of the committee’s formation—two years into Nwifuru’s tenure—was not ideal.

He emphasized that economic advisory bodies are most effective when established early in an administration to allow for meaningful impact.

Eze, who had previously advised the governor to constitute such a team two years ago, stated that he prefers to continue contributing to Ebonyi’s development through his current role as a private sector leader.

“I sincerely appreciate the notification of my appointment to the Ebonyi State Economic Advisory Committee and the confidence it reflects,” Eze wrote. “However, I firmly believe that such a strategic body like an Economic Team is most effective when inaugurated early in an administration’s tenure.”

The Ebonyi State Government, through the Special Assistant to the Governor on New Media, Leo Oketa, swiftly rebuked Eze’s reasoning, calling it “fundamentally flawed.”

Oketa argued that economic reforms and strategic development are long-term processes not bound by political calendars.

He noted that Governor Nwifuru deliberately chose this time to launch the committee after stabilizing key governance areas and addressing immediate public needs.

“The timing argument falls flat,” Oketa stated.

“Governor Nwifuru chose the right time to launch a forward-looking economic agenda that will outlive his administration. It is both prudent and strategic, not late.”

Oketa further emphasized the strength of the 15-member committee, chaired by former Minister of Power, Professor Barth Nnaji, describing it as a diverse and skilled team of professionals with national and international experience.

“No one is indispensable,” Oketa added, asserting that Eze’s refusal does not undermine the committee’s credibility or its mission to drive industrialization in Ebonyi.

The committee has been tasked with addressing critical issues such as erratic power supply, harnessing solid minerals, and reviving moribund industries like the Nigeria Cement Company (NIGERCEM), as well as establishing a salt production plant to reflect Ebonyi’s “Salt of the Nation” identity.

Governor Nwifuru, in a statement, expressed disappointment with Eze’s decision, suggesting it reflects a “troubling mindset” that prioritizes personal and partisan interests over the collective good.

“This decision, while within his rights, reveals a troubling mindset that places personal and partisan interest above the collective good of the people,” the governor’s statement read.

Nwifuru highlighted that the committee’s formation was a deliberate act of unity, bringing together individuals from diverse political and professional backgrounds to advance Ebonyi’s economic agenda.

The public exchange has fueled discussions about governance, timing, and political inclusivity in Ebonyi State.

Eze’s rejection underscores ongoing debates about the strategic direction of the state’s economic policies, while the government’s response signals a firm commitment to its industrialization goals, regardless of individual participation.