Legacy FM Suspends General Manager Over Criticism of Ebonyi Governor

The management of Legacy FM, a private radio station in Ebonyi State, has suspended its acting General Manager, Godfrey Chikwere, over alleged violations of the station’s code of conduct.

Mr Chikwere’s suspension, announced on air by the station on Saturday, comes after he reportedly criticised the state governor, Francis Nwifuru, both during live radio programmes and in posts on his social media pages.

According to sources familiar with the matter, the management viewed Mr Chikwere’s public comments as incompatible with his role at the station, citing a breach of professional guidelines that require neutrality in political matters.

Mr Chikwere, who had previously worked with the state-owned Ebonyi Broadcasting Corporation, was appointed acting general manager of Legacy FM in 2023. His tenure at the private broadcaster was seen as part of the station’s drive to strengthen its management with experienced media professionals.

While the station did not provide detailed specifics of the alleged infractions, the on-air announcement stated that his suspension was necessary “to uphold the integrity and impartiality” of the radio station’s operations.

As of press time, neither Mr Chikwere nor Governor Nwifuru’s media team had issued an official response to the development.

The incident has sparked discussions in Ebonyi’s media circles about press freedom, journalistic ethics, and the challenges of balancing professional duties with personal political views.