By Ifeanyi Okali

As the Governor of Ebonyi State, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Erishi Nwifuru, continues to fulfill his duties, a peculiar pattern has emerged during his public appearances: an unusual challenge with public address systems that leaves many wondering about the governor’s communication style or preference.

Having followed Governor Nwifuru closely during public functions, a recurring observation stands out—the sound volume of the public address system often appears to be inexplicably low whenever he takes the stage to speak. This issue has become so consistent that it raises questions about whether it’s a technical coincidence or a deliberate approach.

The situation took an intriguing turn during a recent high-profile event—the funeral reception of Uche Ogah’s mother. Guests were expecting to hear the governor’s address clearly, given the powerful sound system set up at the venue. However, just as he began to speak, the sound volume mysteriously diminished, rendering his words almost inaudible. This left many attendees puzzled and asking questions.

Could this be a technical mishap that seems to follow the governor’s engagements, or does it reflect a preference for a low-profile communication style? Some speculate that it might be his way of avoiding public scrutiny, while others argue it could be a mere coincidence.

This situation brings to mind the commendable “Alex Otti Speaks to Abians” initiative in Abia State, where the governor regularly interacts with journalists and updates the public on his administration’s activities. How I wish a similar initiative could be introduced in Ebonyi State. It would create a platform for Governor Nwifuru to engage directly with the media, answer pressing questions, and foster transparency.

However, I fear such an initiative might not materialize. The governor’s apparent reluctance to fully engage with the media suggests he may be media-shy. This is particularly surprising given his academic background. As a first-class graduate in Law, Governor Nwifuru is undoubtedly equipped with the intellectual capacity and communication skills needed for effective public engagement. One would expect him to leverage these strengths to connect with the people of Ebonyi through the media and other public platforms.

Effective communication is a critical aspect of governance. It connects the leader with the people, builds trust, and ensures transparency. A governor’s voice is a tool for inspiring hope and outlining plans for development.

If the recurring issues with sound systems stem from technical challenges, it would be advisable for the governor’s team to ensure that proper sound systems are always in place for future engagements. If, however, this reflects a deliberate choice by Governor Nwifuru, it might be worth reconsidering, as clear communication is a vital element of leadership.

For now, the question lingers: Is Governor Nwifuru avoiding public speaking, or is this just his style? Only time—or a bold media engagement initiative—will tell.

-Ifeanyi Okali write from Ebem Ohafia, Abia State