Ebonyi Commissioner Gives Away 2 Million Naira on Facebook Ahead of 2027 Election Interest

In the Umuosa kingdom, people were in dire need of elephant meat. To address this pressing need, the Duke of the kingdom set up a committee and handed over a big elephant to the committee to collate people’s data, slaughter the elephant and share it among them.

 Mr Ikokwu, a social man in the kingdom was among the committee. The Committee slaughtered the elephant, and shared the meat without naming the beneficiaries or the beneficiaries acknowledged receiving the meat. This raised concerns. 

Today, Mr Ikokwu, the social man on the committee, killed his dog, shared the parts, and named the beneficiaries. The beneficiaries also acknowledged receiving the part”

Indications have emerged that the Honourable Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Oguzor Offia Nwali, JP 2 million naira giveaway on his Facebook page dated 18th December 2024 to encourage and appreciate supporters of the Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru was a skirmish to gain popularity and attract netizens support ahead of 2027 election.

According to his Facebook post, “In the spirit of the festive period, I have 2m for Giveaway tomorrow for 200 Members of Facebook Community/Lovers of FON. Your love for FON is the reason for the season”

The above post received unprecedented comments, accolades, and criticism from netizens. 

However, critics have deemed the move unethical, arguing that public officer should not use public funds for personal gain or to promote their political ambitions. Elom Ubochi Iyke PhD, PRO, Ae-funai, and Dr. Chukwu of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike have publicly expressed their disapproval of the giveaway.

“Most people have failed to understand that public office has ethics and rules of engagement. There are so many things one can do as a private person, which he dare not do as a public office holder. 

“Someone holding a political office should not do an online giveaway. In fact, in.saner climes, by now, he would be doing some explanation to the government and some relevant agencies. It was a huge mistake, and you have really helped to put him back on track.”

“Honestly, with all due respect, I think it is unethical to do this, Honorable Commissioner. You are a public officer and should not be seen as a show promoter with public funds. Remain blessed,” Dr. Chukwu of the department of mass communication Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike wrote in response to the commissioner’s post

Oguzor Offia Nwali JP, who hails from Ezza South Local Government Council, was a son of one of the founding fathers of Ebonyi State and a Senator in the 2nd Republic, Sen Offia Nwali who was immortalised after Presco flyover by the former Governor of Ebonyi State, Sen Dave Umahi. Sct Oguzor Offia Nwali, a level 12 staff of Federal Medical Centre, Abuja was appointed as Commissioner for Commerce and Industry in July 2023.

Recall that Oguzor Offia Nwali JP was accused of being complicit in the 3bn Youth Empowerment Fund, alongside others, for their inability to shortlist the list of beneficiaries. Sir Nwoba Chika Nwoba, who championed the accusation, was arrested in a commando style in Awka and thrown to prison in Abakaliki with trumped charges but was later released.

Oguzor Offia Nwali JP, while announcing the 2m giveaway, shortlisted 200 names and directed Mr Polycarp Obinna Alegu, a social media personality and critic to disburse the funds to the beneficiaries.

However, this was viewed as a ploy ahead of the Commissioner’s alleged political ambition in 2027.

The Commissioner is alleged to be positioning himself for Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency, as it was gathered that, it’s the turn of Ezza South Local Government Council to produce the next rep member since Comr Chinedu Ogah from Ikwo is serving his 2nd term. 

With his constant charity work and body language, including the alleged parade with police and convoy, many see that as a preparation for a shot in 2027.