Abakaliki, Nigeria – August 10, 2025
Legacy FM 95.1, a privately owned radio station in Ebonyi State, has suspended its Acting General Manager, Godfrey Chikwere, following what the station described as repeated breaches of its code of conduct through “unruly behaviour” and “disobedience.”
The suspension, announced by the station’s management on Saturday, came after Chikwere allegedly used on-air programmes and social media posts to project Governor Francis Nwifuru and his policies in a negative light. In a recent Facebook post, Chikwere urged the governor to “step on toes” to protect his image and deliver on campaign promises, citing poor communication, underperforming appointees, and unfulfilled pledges.
Governor Nwifuru’s Chief Press Secretary, Monday Uzor, dismissed the remarks as unfounded and accused Chikwere of ingratitude, noting that the government had donated a Changan SUV, installed a transformer, and built an access road to the station. Ebonyi State Commissioner for Information, Ikeuwa Omebeh, further described the comments as “derogatory and inciting,” warning they could erode public trust.
The suspension has drawn mixed reactions, with some voices warning it may undermine press freedom and the media’s role in holding public officials accountable.