By Ngwuta Chinedu, Abakaliki
The recent gesture by Governor Ogbonna Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has drawn an array of opinions in the media space. Notwithstanding,as we celebrate Ebonyi State Governor for being all Inclusive in his administration, we should also not forget our small beginning as a people in the transahara African sub region and as scion of the old Abakaliki. This review remains significant to keep the records straight.
Sincerely speaking, Ebonyi state is one of the states that receives the lowest allocations from the federation account Committee (FAC) and the most vulnerable state both in
in the southern Nigeria and South East geo- political zones.
An all Inclusive administration as we all crave for is a welcome development, but the question is does these people deserve to be sponsored with the meagre resource which is yet to bring desired development to our one hundred and seventy one Wards?
We are not denying the fact that 0.2 percent of Ebonyians are Muslims. But can our Muslims brothers in the Northern part of the country reciprocate same to an average Igbo man who belongs to the same religion, let alone. mapping out such huge amounts of money for Muslim brothers who believe your religion and your origin represent threat to their existence.
Undoubtedly, parochialism is the major problem bedeviling our common belief and existence as Nigerians. It serves as prompt on Governor Nwifuru to remember that sponsoring Christians or Muslims to pilgrimage cannot bring the expected solution to our woos as a Country neither will it foster unity among Nigeria Components.
However, I wish to join my voice to the voices of those who commended or condemned the decision of the government to spend a whooping Five Hundred Million Naira on a religion devotes that sees your faith as fake and qualified to go into extinction.
It is a strong belief that Ebonyi is still a baby state passing through her teething challenges occasioned by the criminal marginalization suffered by the people of state before the state creation on the 1st October, 1996 by the then Head of states General Sani Abacha.
Whereas, Governor Francis Nwifuru’s decision to approve over 500 million naira for Muslims in Ebonyi State to travel to Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj is commendable. Some Scholars argue that this Inclusiveness demonstrates his administration’s commitment to religious tolerance, unity, and support for all citizens, regardless of their faith. These scholars noted that the gesture is particularly significant in a state grappling with challenges such as hunger and insecurity, as it underscores the government’s dedication to fostering peace and harmony among diverse communities.
The analyst further insists “pilgrimage is not only a spiritual journey but also an opportunity for cultural and economic growth tourism. By supporting pilgrims, the government indirectly contributes to the local economy through travel-related expenses and the purchase of goods and services. Additionally, the pilgrims’ experiences abroad can foster a broader perspective and promote positive narratives about Ebonyi State and Nigeria as a whole”
Yes, no doubt, one can claim to belong to such a school of thoughts but how many Nigerians have gone to pilgrimage and come back to invest the money realized while in Israel or Saudi Arabia? At the last count, majority of the people who went to pilgrimage came back to become faithless, regardless the huge amount of resources invested in them.
Allocations of funds to support Muslim pilgrims cannot be over emphasized by the reason of our faith in Christ Jesus. But can we say for sure that we have attained such economic strength patronizing another man’s religious rights and practices? it’s good, but as much as am an Ebonyian the gesture is a misplaced priority. Have we assessed the level of hunger in the State ? Do we look at the level of educational backwardness of the people of the state.? Did we see the insecurity ravaging South Eastern part of the country? Have we had a cursory look of projects executed halfway by successive administration begging for attention? All these areas are where this huge sum would have performed better to the benefit Citizens.
However, a non-governmental organisation, based in Abakaliki (Oganihu Ebonyi), has condemned Governor Francis Nwifuru’s religious subsidy policy in the state, labelling it as a misappropriation of resources and an extravagant misuse of funds.
In a statement signed by Ani Nwachukwu Agwu, Director of Research and Publications released to newsmen in Abakaliki, the group described the governor’s recent action as grave injustice for a government that claims to care for the people of Ebonyi to engage in such frivolous expenditures, forsaking essential investments in security, basic education, primary healthcare, maternal and child care, rural roads, and support for small and medium enterprises.