By CHARLES IWUOHA

Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has dismissed rumours circulating on social media that he recently travelled abroad to attend to a health condition.

Speaking in Abakaliki on Wednesday during the celebration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary and the 29th anniversary of Ebonyi State’s creation, the governor said he was surprised to hear such insinuations while he was away on official assignment.

The governor revealed that the rumours even unsettled his family members, as his father called to confirm if he was well.

He assured the people of the state that he was hale and hearty, stressing that the speculation was a result of misinterpreting his calm and humble disposition as weakness.

“We have given people lots of privileges, but do not push a man to the wall,” Nwifuru warned.

“I was, however, encouraged with the fact that if you are not important, no one will talk about you.”

He further cautioned against underestimating his leadership style, urging the youth in particular not to mistake his humility for lack of resolve.

“This does not mean that we cannot bite, but I don’t want us to start biting,” the governor said.

“When you see a man who is calm, be careful of him. When I recall my rough road to where I am presently, I decide to take things easy.”

The governor’s remarks appeared to allay concerns raised in some quarters of the state over his health and reassured citizens of his commitment to continue steering the affairs of Ebonyi with focus and resilience.