Ebonyi State Commissioners Engage in Public Fight During Defection Ceremony

In a shocking display of political rivalry, two Ebonyi State commissioners, Victor Chukwu and Jude Okpor, engaged in a public fight during a PDP to APC defection ceremony in Ebiaji, Ezza North LGA, Ebonyi State. The altercation, which occurred on April 19, 2024, required intervention from stakeholders and security agents to stop the brawl.

The incident took place during a ceremony organized by the state Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Jude Okpor, to welcome former House of Representatives member, Chief Anayo Edwin Nwonu, and a serving member of the state House of Assembly, Chikodiri Nomeh, who defected from the PDP to the APC along with their supporters. The new APC members were received by the state Chairman of the party, Chief Stanley Okoro Emegha, and other stakeholders from Ezza North LGA and Ebonyi Central zone.

Eyewitnesses reported that the fight between the two commissioners, Victor Chukwu, the commissioner of Environment, and Jude Okpor, the commissioner for Information, was fierce and attracted the attention of state party chieftains. One witness stated, "Despite their social status, the commissioners fought fiercely, and this was not the first time such an incident had occurred between them." The fight was described as 'embarrassing' to the community and the people of Ebonyi State.

Why this matters: The public altercation between two high-ranking state officials highlights the political tensions and power struggles within Ebonyi State's political landscape. Such incidents undermine public trust in the government and raise concerns about the stability and effectiveness of the state's leadership.

Following the incident, the APC state chairman, Chief Stanley Okoro Emegha, called for unity and peace among party members, urging them to forgive any wrongdoings and work together for the success of the party in the upcoming 2027 elections. A local leader described the incident as embarrassing, emphasizing that it was the fifth such altercation between the two commissioners, believed to be a result of a supremacy battle between the politicians in the local government area.

Key Takeaways

• Two Ebonyi commissioners engaged in a public fight during a defection ceremony.
• The fight occurred between Victor Chukwu and Jude Okpor, commissioners of Environment and Information.
• The incident was described as embarrassing and highlighted political tensions in Ebonyi state.
• APC state chairman called for unity and peace among party members after the incident.
• This was the fifth altercation between the two commissioners, a result of a supremacy battle.