Rice mill operators in Ebonyi State under the aegis of Abakaliki Rice Mill Industry, on Thursday, resolved to rally support for Governor Francis Nwifuru’s second-term bid.

The group made the resolution to endorse Mr Nwifuru’s re-election at its stakeholders’ meeting in Abakaliki on Thursday.

It lauded the governor’s achievements in human and infrastructure development.

According to the group, the governor’s policies on improved agribusiness have been remarkable in the state.

The group’s chairman, Linus Obeji, commended the governor’s support for mechanised farming and urged members to stand for him in 2027.

Mr Obeji described the governor as “a man of his people,” whose policies, he said, “are anchored on the ‘people’s charter of needs’ mantra.”

Briefing journalists at the end of the meeting, he said, “The truth of the matter is that His Excellency has demonstrated that governance can be people-oriented.

“His programmes and policies are tailored towards the needs of the common man.

“As an industry and business people, we have come together to adopt him as our sole candidate for the 2027 governorship election.”

Mr Obeji commended the governor for restoring peace and stability in the rice mill cluster.

He said that internal disputes and leadership crises had significantly reduced in the mill since Mr Nwifuru became governor.

“We have witnessed improved infrastructure and mechanisation, including access to modern rice processing equipment.

“Before now, we could not compete internationally, but with the introduction of modern machines like the ‘colour sorter,’ our products can now meet global standards.

“We have also benefited from solar-power installations, improved milling machines, and farm inputs, all facilitated through government intervention,” the chairman added.

Also, Sunday Oketa, the Traditional Ruler of Nkaleke Echara Autonomous Community in the Ebonyi Local Government Area, Sunday Oketa, commended the governor for promoting peace and inclusive governance.

“I thank God for giving us a leader who has carried both the rich and the poor along. Since he assumed office, Ebonyi has experienced unprecedented peace and stability.

“We can now sleep with our two eyes closed. Issues like insecurity and communal clashes have been addressed,” Mr Oketa said.

The women’s leader of the millers, Ann Muosanya, also lauded the governor for promoting peace in the state and assured him of massive support from women in the rice mill community. 

(NAN)