The Minister of Works, Chief David Umahi, has firmly stated that no amount of blackmail or pressure will force him into conflict with Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State. He assured the people of Ebonyi that the peace in the state would not be disturbed by external forces.
Speaking at the inauguration of the 118.85-kilometer superhighway project in Afikpo, Ebonyi State, Umahi noted that the state had remained peaceful since Nwifuru took office in 2023. He emphasized that nobody would be able to manipulate him into creating turmoil in the state. Umahi, a former governor of the state, said his focus now is on supporting the state’s development, rather than engaging in any political disputes.
“Some hungry persons have been trying to cause a crisis in this state. But I am not available. I have been badly used in the past, but not anymore. I am not available again,” Umahi said, addressing concerns about attempts to stir division in the state. He reassured the people that he was not interested in returning to power or competing for political influence.
Umahi, who served as governor for eight years, mentioned that during his tenure, he managed the state without interference, and there was no conflict with his successor.
He clarified that his absence from party structures and conventions was due to his busy schedule, pointing out that he would not involve himself in party matters while Nwifuru leads the state. “The Governor is the leader of the party in the State, and his words are final as far as party structure is concerned,” he added.
The former governor also took the opportunity to dismiss a false rumor circulating about Governor Nwifuru’s term limits. He denied the claim that there was an agreement for Nwifuru to serve only one term, calling it baseless and a fabrication.
“There is no such agreement anywhere. I supported him in becoming governor without any condition. His 8 years is sacrosanct. That is already taken for granted,” Umahi confirmed. He further expressed confidence that Nwifuru would continue to lead Ebonyi without opposition, as many who could have opposed him had already aligned with the ruling party.
Umahi praised Nwifuru for uniting the state and urged him to ignore critics. He assured the governor that, just as he was once criticized but later praised for his efforts, Nwifuru would eventually earn the admiration of those currently critical of his leadership.
He concluded by expressing his full support for Governor Nwifuru and assured the people of Ebonyi that their leader’s success was assured.
“Governor Nwifuru is not anyhow Governor. You can’t get him angry with social media posts unlike me. He will complete 8 years because there is no opposition party in Ebonyi State. Nwifuru has united everyone into APC,” Umahi stated.
