Ebonyi Radio Station Reinstates Suspended GM Accused of Criticizing Governor Nwifuru

Legacy FM, a private radio station in Ebonyi State, has lifted the suspension of its acting General Manager, Odoh Godfrey Chikwere.

According to the station’s management, Chikwere has been directed to resume duties effective Tuesday, August 12, 2025.

Chikwere was suspended on Saturday, August 9, following allegations that he criticized the administration of Governor Francis Nwifuru, both on-air and through social media posts on Friday, August 8.

In an official statement at the time, Legacy FM cited Chikwere’s “unruly behaviour” and violation of the station’s code of conduct as reasons for the disciplinary action.

“The management of Legacy FM 95.1, The Sound of Now, hereby suspends the acting General Manager, Godfrey Chikwere, with immediate effect, till further notice,” the statement read. “This is due to unruly behaviour and disobedience to the code of conduct guiding Legacy FM. He is also directed to hand over all company property in his possession to the next senior officer.”

Chikwere had previously posted a series of critical remarks on Facebook, alleging that Governor Nwifuru’s administration was plagued by poor communication, underperforming appointees, and a lack of clear policy direction. He also urged the governor to take decisive action, warning that the current situation was weakening public support for the government.

In response, the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Monday Uzor, issued a rebuttal, dismissing the claims as baseless. Uzor also accused Chikwere of ingratitude, noting the administration’s contributions to the station, including the donation of an SUV, the installation of a transformer, and the construction of an access road.

Chikwere’s reinstatement comes amid growing public interest in the incident and the role of press freedom in the state.