Ebonyi radio manager suspended over criticism of Governor Nwifuru

Legacy FM, a privately-owned radio station in Ebonyi State, has suspended its acting General Manager, Godfrey Chikwere, following repeated criticisms of Governor Francis Nwifuru.

The station’s management announced the decision on Saturday, citing “unruly behaviour” and “disobedience” to its code of conduct. Chikwere was directed to hand over all company property to the next senior officer.

Chikwere had taken to Facebook on Friday to urge the governor to adopt a stricter approach in governance, alleging that the state’s image was “dwindling daily at a very embarrassing level.” He accused some of Nwifuru’s appointees of neglecting official duties for leisure activities and called on political allies to actively support the administration’s success.

Reacting on Monday, Monday Uzor, the governor’s chief press secretary, accused Chikwere of working to undermine the state’s reputation despite the station’s reliance on government support.

Uzor highlighted that the governor had provided significant assistance to Legacy FM, including a brand-new Changan SUV, a transformer to power the station, and the construction of the access road to its premises.

He alleged that instead of offering balanced coverage, the station had become a “slaughterhouse” for attacking the governor’s development efforts and goodwill.

The suspension has sparked conversations in Ebonyi over press freedom and the relationship between privately-owned media and political power.