BY NATIONAL PANEL REPORTERS
The former Governor of Ebonyi State and Honourable Minister for Works, Engr. David Nweze Umahi, has reaffirmed his unwavering support for the second-term ambition of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, describing it as sacrosanct and non-negotiable.
Umahi gave the assurance during a Christmas courtesy visit by members of the Izzi Nnodo Youth Forum, led by its National President, Dr. Chibueze Elom, to his country home in Umunaga, Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
The visit was aimed at celebrating the Yuletide season with the former governor and appreciating him for the enduring legacies and developmental milestones recorded during his administration as governor of Ebonyi State.
Speaking on behalf of the forum, the National President, Comrade Chibueze Elom, alongside the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Comrade Ben Nwovu, commended Engr. Umahi for his uncommon love and sustained support for the Izzi people.
They particularly acknowledged his pivotal role during the agitation for equity and fairness in zoning the governorship position of the state.
The youth leaders noted that through vision, hard work, and passion for development, Engr. Umahi transformed Ebonyi State, placing it on the global map as one of the fastest-developing states in the South-East and Nigeria at large.
They assured him of their continued loyalty and political alignment, while appealing for inclusion of members of the Izzi Nnodo Youth Forum in ministerial projects, contracts, and empowerment programmes.
In his response, Engr. Umahi expressed deep appreciation to the Izzi people for their consistent show of love, respect, and solidarity. He pledged to sustain the cordial relationship between himself and the Izzi clan, noting the strong blood ties that bind him to the people as an in-law.
The former governor also used the occasion to call for total support for Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that their leadership holds great promise for Ebonyi State and Nigeria as a whole. He reaffirmed that the second-term agenda of Governor Nwifuru aligns with the principles of zoning equity and continuity in governance.
Engr. Umahi further lauded President Tinubu for his commitment to the development of Ebonyi State and the South-East region, citing ongoing and completed infrastructure projects across the zone.
He dismissed agitations for self-actualization, describing them as unnecessary, and emphasized that the current administration is implementing people-oriented projects that positively impact the Igbo nation and other regions of the country.
He urged the youth to remain united, supportive of constituted authority, and committed to peace and development, noting that sustained progress can only be achieved through cooperation and political stability.
