The Association of Ebonyi Indigenes Socio-Cultural in the Diaspora (AEISCID) has cautioned the Minister of Works and Housing, David Umahi, to stop threatening his successor, Governor Francis Nwifuru, with issues related to a second-term ticket.
AEISCID urged Governor Nwifuru to assert his authority and govern the state effectively.
In a statement issued Monday, AEISCID President Paschal Omaka responded to recent media reports in which Umahi complained about being avoided by politicians he helped into office. Despite these claims, Umahi stated he maintains a good relationship with Nwifuru.
AEISCID criticized Umahi, urging him to focus on his ministerial duties, particularly the construction of cement-technology roads nationwide.
The group expressed doubt about the durability of these roads, citing the failure of similar projects in Ebonyi during Umahi’s tenure as governor.
The group accused Umahi of discreetly threatening to withdraw support for Nwifuru’s second term.
AEISCID highlighted Umahi’s continued influence over Ebonyi State politics, including his alleged imposition of local government chairmen ahead of the July 2024 council polls, which they claim undermines Nwifuru’s authority.
The statement partly stated, “Knowing the character of Umahi, we at AEISCID wish to raise a red flag on his claims and inform the whole world that despite being a Minister of the Federal Republic, he still directly and indirectly controls and pilots the affairs of Ebonyi State, thus making it difficult for his successor to take firm decisions and govern the people of Ebonyi like his counterparts in other parts of the country.
“Recent developments in our beloved state, including the way and manner in which Umahi unilaterally ‘imposed’ his choices of local government chairmen, literally forcing the return of 10 out of the 13 local government areas Chairmen, some against the will and wishes of his successor and the majority of stakeholders ahead of the July 2024 Council polls, say it all. He has never allowed his successor to breathe and take firm decisions that would meaningfully impact the lives of the people of Ebonyi State.
“Though the overt control over Nwifuru is not yet public knowledge and may even be denied by his government, who dreads his predecessor as a greedy emperor, AEISCID frowns at the fact that the slow start of events and the inability of Nwifuru to showcase more democracy dividends to the people of Ebonyi one year after assuming office may not be unconnected to the obvious influence exerted on him by Umahi,” the statement added.
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