By Victor Nwegede, Abakaliki.
Senator Ogbuoji said this on Wednesday at a civic reception held in the honour of Governor Umahi who is also the Senator-elect for Ebonyi South Senatorial District at Uburu, his home town, in Ohaozara Local Government Area.
The former Red Chamber Legislator who was the closest rival of Umahi during the 2019 gubernatorial polls, said the people of Ebonyi State were proud of the outgoing governor and heartily welcomed him back.
Ogbuojii, who was the Chairman of the civic reception occasion, said that Ebonyi would not forget Umahi in its history because he achieved development feats, no past governor had achieved.
“Umahi brought no shame to us but glory as the message we sent him was fruitful.
“You are not coming back to stay indoors but to go to the higher chamber of the National Assembly,” Ogbuoji said.
“We know that having conquered as a governor, the challenges of the senate will be easier to handle.
“I am talking as someone who had been there and we still look forward to receiving you again after your senate sojourn,” he said.
Other stakeholders from the area commended Umahi for the successes recorded by his eight-year administration.
Responding, Governor Umahi said that he would not forget anything in the Ebonyi State Government House, Abakaliki when he bows out from office on 29th May 2023.
The event was organized by constituents from Ebonyi South Senatorial District to celebrate his successful tenure in office as governor.
He said that he was leaving office a fulfilled man.
“I thank all those who made my tenure successful and urge you to extend similar support to the incoming administration.
“The incoming administration is not different from the present one as we all belong to the divine mandate platform.
“When I return from my journey at the Senate, we would still gather in praise and appreciation to God for his goodness,” the governor said.
He said that he was going to the Senate to represent the entire state rather than only his constituency.
“We have laid the foundation for development, peace and unity of the state.
“I cannot thank God enough because all the miracles wrought on the state were through his power,” Umahi said.