Eze Onyebuchi Chukwu, candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the recent Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) council elections, has criticized the performance of the government in Ebonyi State, saying the state is not functioning effectively due to poor performance in key ministries.
Chukwu stated that every government seeks three things — results, popularity, and public trust — but these cannot be achieved through slogans or intentions alone.
According to him, certain ministries directly determine whether a government succeeds or fails because they connect government policies to the everyday lives of the people.
He identified the Ministry of Youths and Sports, Ministry of Women Affairs, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Works, and ministries responsible for Technology, Information, Innovation, and Investment as the most critical sectors that must remain active and result-driven.
“A government that does little about the youths will inevitably become unpopular,” he said, noting that young people represent the largest and most vocal segment of the population.
Chukwu added that youths dominate public discourse both on the streets and on digital platforms, and when they feel neglected, government often faces criticism and dissatisfaction.
He also stressed the importance of women empowerment through the Ministry of Women Affairs, describing women as the social and emotional backbone of families and communities.
According to him, programmes that support women usually strengthen grassroots support for government and improve public perception.
Chukwu further highlighted education, particularly basic education, as a vital responsibility of government.
He noted that many Nigerians depend on public schools due to widespread poverty, and failure to invest in schools, teachers, and learning infrastructure weakens public confidence in governance.
On infrastructure, he said the Ministry of Works remains the most visible arm of government because roads, public projects, and construction activities provide citizens with clear evidence of development.
He also emphasized the growing importance of ministries responsible for technology, information, innovation, and investment, saying they help governments communicate effectively, attract opportunities, and shape public narratives.
Chukwu argued that weaknesses in several of these sectors have contributed to negative public perception about governance in Ebonyi State.
However, he acknowledged some positive initiatives, including the state’s education scholarship programme that has enabled many Ebonyi indigenes to study abroad.
He therefore urged the Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, to consider bringing in more innovative and result-oriented leaders to manage key ministries.
According to him, repositioning these sectors with energetic and creative leadership would help drive youth engagement, empower women, strengthen education, improve infrastructure, and enhance government communication.
He expressed optimism that with the right leadership in these critical ministries, Ebonyi State could achieve stronger development, improved public trust, and more positive national recognition.