Premium News
WHY FORMER GOVERNORS, SUCCESSORS TRADE TACKLE – UMAHI
Minister of Works and immediate past governor of Ebonyi State, Sen. David Umahi has given reason some former governors are usually at dagger’s drawn with their successors.
This is as he declared his readiness to protect the administration of his successor, Francis Nwifuru, in Ebonyi State.
Briefing newsmen in his Abakaliki residence as part of activities commemorating this year’s Democracy Day, Umahi vowed not to tolerate any distractions for the governor.
He attributed the problems commonly found between some governors and their predecessors to lack of understanding and charged all in the state to respect Nwifuru.
He explained that any person who had done eight years as chief executive of a state should move on and allow his successor run his own administration unfettered.
“I have done my bit and left the stage but I am happy that he is a man of conscience who recognizes those who are instrumental to his elevation,” he said.
He appreciated the governor for bringing all the leaders of Ebonyi State together and promised not only to remain with him throughout his remaining seven years in office but also engage anyone trying to fight him.
He stated: “I always feel fulfilled and honoured for being acknowledged before the public that I was the one whom God had used to change his fortune, this is why we politicians need to learn how to be appreciative, so I am happy with what he is doing pertaining to empowerment and infrastructure.”
The minister disclosed that his relationship with the governor was built on the pathway of honesty, adding that he did not regret working with Nwifuru for 16 years. He disclosed that he occasionally called the governor to advise him issues especially as one who had been there before.
“When I decamped to APC, no one believed that it was a right decision except Senator Nwebonyi, the present governor, my family members and few others but today, everyone is seeing what is going on and I will not only support the governor but also keep advising him because I have been on that seat,” he added.Umahi further hinted that the next governor of the state would be someone in their political group who must have understudied the current governor.
