..Says, he’s in talk with Mbam, other aggrieved APC stakeholders
From Nwogha Ndubuisi, Abakaliki
Ebonyi state governor, David Umahi on Saturday 3rd August, 2022 said he anointed an Izhi man from Ebonyi North as his successor because he emerged his position through the platform of equitable rotation of power in the state.
Umahi stated this while addressing Izhi people at Anmegu ancestral home in the occasion of Ojiji Izhi Festival 2022 Grand Finale.
The state governor hinted that he’s in talk with aggrieved party members among the governorship aspirant of the recent concluded primaries, Engr Elias Mbam and others as to ensure landslide victory for all candidates of the party in the upcoming general election.
Umahi said his decision to adopt a successor from Ebonyi North was to reciprocate the support given to him by the people.
He urged people of the zone to rally round the All Progressives Congress, APC, gubernatorial candidate, Rt Hon Francis Nwifuru for he has shown capacity to rule the state.
The governor who said he came to power through equity noted that anybody contesting the position of the governor from Ebonyi South is selfish and does not mean well for the state.
“I came to power through the platform of equity and justice, Izhi man gave me their support because they believed in power rotation as practicable in the state .
“I feel so sad seeing Abakaliki man not supporting this project because, how can Abakaliki man said that after I have occupy this position for eight years will push for somebody from the South to go back to this position?.
Earlier, the Speaker of Ebonyi state House of Assembly and All Progressives Congress, APC, gubernatorial candidate, Rt Hon Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru appreciated the state governor for his leadership ingenuity and unrelenting support for equitable rotation of power in the state.
He pledged his continuous loyalty and support to give best form of legislative contributions that would advance democracy for the people’s benefit.
He applauded the state governor for honouring the celebration and tasked Izhi people to continue promoting the culture.
Also, the national president Izzi Nnodo Youth Forum and Special Assistant to the state Governor on Road Maintainance, Hon Benedict Nwovu commended the people for their turn out and their contributions to ensure the culture continues to improve annually.
The national president described the presence of the state governor, Engr David Umahi as an applause and sign of his love for the promotion of Ebonyi people’s culture and traditions.
Others who spoke including, Engr Emmanuel Echiegu, chairman, central planning committee, Hon Chinedu Uburu, Executive Chairman, Ebonyi LGA, Hon. Ebere Nwogba, Executive Chairman Abakaliki LGA, Barr Boniface Ezeagu, Chairman Ogbo Ohubama Izhi, Hon Beatrice Eze, Commissioner For Culture and Tourism and Apostle Benjamin Nwobeji, Publicity Secretary Oha Izhi admonished the people to continue promoting the people’s culture.
They explained that Ojiji Izhi festival did not contradict the christian religious belief as the celebration has continued to attract priests of the Catholic church and their pentecostal counterpart.
Hence, enjoined all and sundry to extend the love received during the event to their kits and kins for the betterment of the clan.
However, the event which featured masquerade and dance display was witnessed by His Royal Majesty, Mbam Ngele, Ishiuke Izhi, His Royal Highness, Eze Sunday Oketa, chairman Oha Izhi, Professor Adaeze Nwuzor,and traditional rulers, among business moguls and others.
