Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki
Former Governor of Ebonyi State, David Umahi, has alleged that some political jobbers in the state have been trying to cause a rift between him and his successor, Governor Francis Nwifuru.
He said such persons believe that only in an atmosphere of crisis can they thrive and benefit from government hence their plans to cause a rift between them.
Umahi, who is Nigeria’s Minister for Works, spoke during the flag-off of the Ebonyi section of the Calabar to Abuja Super Highway.
The event took place on Wednesday at Amauro Primary School, Afikpo Local Government Area.
He said he was not interested in the forthcoming State Congress of they All Progressives Congress (APC) as the governor was in charge as the Leader of the party the state.
He said: “Some hungry persons have been trying to cause crisis in this state. But I am not available. I have been badly used in the past, but not anymore. I am not available again.
“I was Governor for 8 years in this state, and I controlled all the structures without interference from any quarter. Yet, some people think that after leaving office I will come back to contest structure with my successor.
“I can’t do that. I am too busy for that. The Governor is the leader of the party in the State, and his words are final as far as party structure is concerned.
“When you will be conducting your congresses and convention, I would be in Dubai; you won’t see me here,” he said.
Umahi also debunked reports that Governor Francis Nwifuru had signed an agreement with the All Progressives Congress (APC) to do just one term in office.
He described the claim as falsehood saying such insinuation only exists in the imagination of the purveyors.
“There is no such agreement anywhere. I supported him to become Governor without any condition.
“His 8 years is sacrosanct. That is already taken for granted. Now, we are even looking beyond the next remaining 6 years, as there is no opposition in Ebonyi.
“As David, I fought wars for 8 years. But he is very lucky. No opposition anywhere under him. Those who could have opposed him have all joined us. So he is the luckiest Governor Ebonyi has produced,” Umahi said
The Minister commended the Governor for uniting the state, and urged him to ignore his critics while focusing on his developmental strides.
He argued that those criticising him now, would later praise him when he leaves office.
“When I was Governor, they were shouting hunger, hunger everywhere. They said I was doing nothing. But now, they say I was a good Governor. But they criticised me bitterly when I was in office.
“Governor Nwifuru is not anyhow Governor. You can’t get him angry with social media posts unlike me. He will complete 8 years because there is no opposition party in Ebonyi State. Nwifuru has united everyone into APC. Come 2027, Ebonyi people will vote massively for Nwifuru and Tinubu.”
“So I urged you to remain focused, and continue to work for the state. You have my support and the support of the good people of Ebonyi State,” Umahi added.
