Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has said God used the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi to make him the State’s governor in 2023.
Nwifuru said this on Monday when both attended mpowerment programme by member representing Ohaoazara/Onicha/ Ivo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Nkemkanma Kama, at Ishiagu, Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi.
Umahi ensured that his political godson Nwifuru, succeeded him at the end of his tenure in 2023. The duo have enjoyed a cordial relationship since then with Umahi consistently asserting that Nwifuru would complete an eight- year tenure in office.
At the event Nwifuru said he the state governor because he the `greatest beneficiary` of Umahi’s governance.
“God would have used another person to make me governor but Umahi was the only person available to be used. At the time God searched for a person to use in making me governor, Umahi made himself available,” he said.
Nwifuru noted that God also used the minister to make him Speaker of the state House of Assembly for eight years when he was governor.
“I performed the duty honestly and that is why I am proud to have him as a boss. Umahi as a governor, excelled in ensuring peace, infrastructure and human capital development among other sectors,” he said.
The governor further described Umahi as a goal-getter who knows when to strike and get what he wants.
Why I attended Labour Party legislator’s event – Gov Nwifuru
Meanwhile, Governor Nwifuru has explained that he attended an event organised by a labour party legislator from the state because politics is not enmity.
Nwifuru said this on Monday at Ishiagu, Ivo Local Government Area, during the empowerment programme of member representing Ohaoazara/ Onicha/ Ivo Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, Hon. Nkemkanma Kama.
The governor said that he attended the event because politics should be about collaboration in the overall interest of the state and country.
“Kama is supposed to be my enemy as he belongs to another party but he has turned out to be my friend. After election comes governance. That is why I came with leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, including its chairman,” he said.
He said Kama had aligned with this ideology by also identifying with his administration.
“Any time I am engaged in any activity even child naming ceremony, Kama is always there.
“I advise him to join APC before the door is closed as I will campaign for the candidate of my party during elections.
“He should also ensure that these items get to APC members so that they would speak good of him when he eventually joins,” he said.
Kama in his remarks, thanked the governor and all the state’s leaders who attended the programme, saying that Nwifuru takes him as a brother and friend.
“I also thank the leadership of the House of Representatives and stakeholders of the constituency as their selflessness and commitment testify to the communal spirit in us,” he said.
The lawmaker said the items include tricycles, motorcycles, grinding machines, sewing machines, hair dryers, knapsacks, among others.
“These items are designed to support our constituents in their various endeavours, whether in local transportation, commerce, personal development, among others.
“We selected the beneficiaries based on the state governor’s detribalised approach of inclusivity and fairness, irrespective of political affiliation.
“The beneficiaries are advised to use the items for intended purposes while those yet to benefit are assured of being captured in subsequent batches,” he said.
Mrs Nnenna Okoroafor, a beneficiary, thanked the lawmaker for the gesture and called for more assistance from leaders.
Former Senate President, Pius Anyim, Minister of Works, Sen. David Umahi, among others attended the event.