Minister of Works, Chief David Umahi, has declared that he has no interest in engaging in political battles with Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State, insisting that peace must not be traded for conflict.
Speaking during the flag-off of a 118.85-kilometre superhighway project in Afikpo, Umahi dismissed any suggestion of a power tussle between him and his successor, saying he would not be dragged into crisis.
“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 stated.
The former governor, who led Ebonyi for eight years, said he had no interest in challenging Governor Nwifuru’s control of the party or governance structures.
“I was Governor for 8 years in this state, and I controlled all the structures without interference from any quarter. Yet, some people think that after leaving office, I will come back to contest the structures with my successor.
“I can’t do that. I am too busy for that. The Governor is the leader of the party in the State, and his words are final as far as party structure is concerned.
“When you will be conducting your congresses and conventions, I will be in Dubai; you won’t see me here,” he said.
Umahi also dismissed claims that Nwifuru had agreed to serve only one term, describing such speculation as baseless.
“There is no such agreement anywhere. I supported him in becoming governor without any condition. His 8 years is sacrosanct.
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“That is already taken for granted. Now, we are even looking beyond the next 6 years, as there is no opposition in Ebonyi,” Umahi said.
He praised Nwifuru’s leadership, noting that the absence of opposition under his administration was a major advantage.
“As David, I fought wars for 8 years. But he is very lucky. No opposition anywhere under him. Those who could have opposed him have all joined us. So he is the luckiest Governor Ebonyi has produced,” he added.
Reflecting on his own time in office, Umahi said he was harshly criticised, only to later receive praise.
“When I was Governor, they were shouting hunger, hunger everywhere. They said I was doing nothing. But now, they say I was a good Governor. But they criticised me bitterly when I was in office.
“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. Come 2027, Ebonyi people will vote massively for Nwifuru and Tinubu,” he said.
Umahi urged the Governor to remain focused and committed to development.
“So I urged you to remain focused, and continue to work for the state. You have my support and the support of the good people of Ebonyi State,” Umahi said.