Chief Igwe Emmanuel Chidi, Publisher of National Issue Newspapers, has raised the alarm over an alleged security threat to his life and that of his immediate family, calling on Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, to provide him with round-the-clock security protection.
Chidi made the appeal in a public statement dated Tuesday, November 3, 2026, following reports that some hooded individuals allegedly appeared at his private residence in Abakaliki in the early hours of the day and knocked on his door under circumstances he described as suspicious.
Although he did not identify the individuals or accuse anyone of orchestrating the incident, the publisher expressed concerns about his personal safety and that of his family, particularly against the backdrop of what he described as growing political tension in Ebonyi State.
He called on the relevant security agencies to investigate the development and take preventive measures to avert any possible threat.
In the statement titled “My Life Is in Danger: Why Governor Nwifuru Must Provide Full Security Cover for Me and My Immediate Family,” Chidi urged Governor Nwifuru, as the state’s chief executive and a key figure in its security architecture, to ensure adequate protection for every citizen, regardless of political affiliation or ideological differences.
The publisher specifically demanded immediate provision of 24-hour security protection for himself and his immediate family.
He said the proposed security arrangement should cover his private residence, office, children’s schools, places of public engagement and other locations considered necessary by security agencies.
Chidi maintained that his criticism of certain policies and programmes of the Nwifuru administration should not expose him or his family to threats or intimidation.
He also called on the governor to publicly condemn political violence, intimidation, attempted assassination and threats against opposition candidates, political supporters, journalists and other individuals expressing dissenting views in the state.
The newspaper publisher further insisted that political disagreements should not be allowed to degenerate into violence, stressing that criticism of government policies was a constitutional right rather than an offence.
‘I Will Not Be Silenced by Intimidation’
Reaffirming his commitment to speaking out on governance and accountability, Chidi said he would not abandon his convictions because of threats or attempts to intimidate him.
According to him, his criticism of the present administration is driven by his belief that Ebonyi State deserves better governance, transparency, accountability and a sustainable future.
He also stated that any attempt to frighten, harass or coerce him into abandoning his position would not change his commitment to holding public officials accountable.
Warns Authorities Against Ignoring Public Notice
Chidi further urged security agencies to treat his statement as a formal public notice concerning his safety, insisting that the circumstances surrounding the reported incident should be considered if anything untoward happens to him or any member of his immediate family.
However, he emphasised that he was not accusing any individual of responsibility for the incident but wanted the authorities to act before a potentially avoidable tragedy occurred.
He also called on security agencies and government institutions to use recognised official channels whenever they required his attention, clarification or cooperation on any matter.
The publisher said he remained willing to cooperate with lawful investigations but warned against the use of impersonation, unidentified visitors or suspicious late-night approaches to intimidate him and his family.
Calls for National and International Intervention
In a further appeal, Chidi called on the National Security Adviser, the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the Department of State Services, the National Human Rights Commission and the National Assembly to take an interest in the security situation in Ebonyi State.
He also urged relevant international human rights organisations, diplomatic missions and individuals committed to democracy and human dignity to monitor developments in the state and take appropriate steps to discourage political intimidation and violence.
Reiterating that he was not seeking special privileges, Chidi said his demand was based on his constitutional right to life and the protection of his family.
He described himself as a journalist, publisher and political commentator whose responsibility includes questioning government policies and demanding accountability in the interest of the public.
He urged Governor Nwifuru to demonstrate that the safety of every Ebonyi citizen matters, including individuals who disagree with his administration.
The statement was signed by Chief Igwe Emmanuel Chidi, Publisher of National Issue Newspapers, in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
