Minister of Works, David Umahi, has declared his intention to defend the Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Nwifuru, against any individuals causing trouble.
Umahi made this declaration while speaking to journalists in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi state capital, on Thursday, May 30.
Expressing dissatisfaction with the conduct of some politicians he helped into power, Umahi noted that even National Assembly members who benefited from his support now avoid him. Despite this, he stated that he is unbothered by their behavior.
Umahi stated, “It is only Chief Onyekachi Nwebonyi that will openly acknowledge that I am his father and boss.
“The others feel that by doing so, the state governor, my successor, will be angry with them.
“The governor cannot do that because he too openly acknowledges that I was instrumental to his emergence.
Umahi shared that this situation has led him to cease having political godsons, opting instead for political friends. He emphasized his commitment to support Governor Nwifuru, stating, “I will fight anybody who makes trouble with the governor because he deserves our respect.
“I have done my bit, have left the stage and have to respect myself,” he added.
Acknowledging the common occurrence of conflicts between predecessors and successors, Umahi declared he would not partake in such issues.
He articulated, “I am, however, not available for such because I have been so blessed in life by God.
“There are always pathways to successes and failures and when you dig for someone to fail, you have already failed.
Umahi pledged his support for Nwifuru for the next eight years and thanked God for granting the governor the ability to unite the state’s leaders.
“The issue of the leaders staying together for long is not our business but I have known the governor for 16 years and will continue to support him.
“I will never regret making him my successor as he, alongside few others, stood with me during the hard decision of defecting to the APC,” he added.
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