Why i Anointed Izhi Man As My Successor-Umahi

September 03, 2022

Why i Anointed Izhi Man As My Successor-Umahi

..Says, he's in talk with aggrieved Guber aspirant,Mbam, others from Nwogha Ndubuisi, Abakaliki

Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi on Saturday said he anointed an Izhi man from Ebonyi North as his successor because he emerged his position through the platter 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 stated that his decision to adopt a successor from Ebonyi North was to reciprocate the support given to him by the people. He urged the people 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.

He pledged to roll out three million man match to support Izhi governorship candidates and enjoined on entire Ebonyians to support the quest for power shift to the North. "I came to power through the platform of equity and justice, Izhi man gave me their support because they believed in fair sharing of power. "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?.

"But I know Abakaliki man is like an Hausa man, they want to take something from us and at the right time will speak with one voice but we are begging the time to come as to shorten what they're collecting from us. Continuing, "What I am assuring you is that I will fight for you and with you in this quest. Be rest assure that all the men and women of Ezza clan, Ikwo, Ishielu and entire South are with you in this struggle, else, how after you have given us this land and somebody is coming up to tell you that you're not qualify to rule this state; is it good?".

"Izhi man, Ikwo and Ezzas were the first people to give me support when I declared interest to contest for governor and that's what I must reciprocate with both projects and personal support. "I'm obidient to your party and to your course. Before we kicked off our campaign, all the sons and daughters of Izhi clan who are vying for position in our party will sort for your traditional blessings for anybody who try to cause disaffection will be resist by God. I have come to sow seed of unity in Izhi land which was what I promised Ndi Izhi during my campaign.

"I have visited your illustrious sons like Engr Elias Mbam, he's a very good man and he listened to me very well. All your other sons and daughters who may not be happy, I will visit them and bring them under this umbrella of unity. You will not divide your votes". he explained.

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.

"This year's new yam festival grand finale is exceptional because the turn out is amazing with the presence of the state governor who has shown his love for the people's culture and traditions. "We appreciate him for keeping to his promise of handing over to Izhi man and that we'll reciprocate by supporting his choice candidate and his future national assignment".

Others who spoke including, Engr Emmanuel Echiegu, chairman, central planning committee, Hon Beatrice Eze, Ebonyi state Commissioner For Culture and Tourism, Hon Chinedu Uburu, Executive Chairman, Ebonyi LGA, Hon. Ebere Nwogba, Executive Chairman Abakaliki Council Area, Apostle Benjamin Nwobeji, Publicity Secretary Oha Izhi and Chief (Barr) Boniface Ezeagu, Chairman Ogbo Ohubama Izhi who all appreciated the people for their continuous promotion of the culture of the land.

They, however, admonished them to extend the love to their kits and kin, while maintaining the spirit of brotherhood as seen in the occasion.

However, the event was witnessed by His Royal Majesty, Mbam Ngele, Ishiuke Izhi, His Royal Highness Eze Sunday Oketa, chairman Oha Izhi, among other traditional rulers, political office holders and business moguls.