A socio- cultural group of the most populous people in Ebonyi State identified as Umuekumenyi otherwise known as Abakaliki Block has endorsed Governor David Umahi for re-election as the state governor in 2019.
The people made their stand known in Abakaliki during the maiden Umuekumenyi political summit which had ”Ebonyi 2019 gubernatorial election :The way forward ” as theme. The summit was organised by the publisher of National Issue newspaper, Chief Emmanuel Igwe.
The group expressed its support for Umahi’s re-election bid in a five-point communique issued at the end of the summit and signed by ten stakeholders on behalf the sub-groups . Signatories to the communique included HRH Ezeogo Nwigboji Nwokwa for Traditional Rulers of Unwuekumenyi; Dr. Hyginus Nwokwu (Secretary to the State Government Ebonyi State) for Unwuekumenyi political office holders; Dr. Chris Achi – Chairman Unwuekumenyi Welfare Association; Barr. Clement Odaa ( Chairman Ohaukwu LGA) for Council Chairmen of the eight Local Government Areas of Unwuekumenyi, among others and made available to newsmen.
The communique stated in parts, ” The people of Unwuekumenyi appreciate the meaningful returns on their electoral investments in the Engr. David Nweze Umahi governorship project in 2015. These returns include the infrastructural revolution, agricultural revolution, industrial revolution, the meaningful human empowerment programmes, the security of lives and property and other developmental programmes or indices of good governance which we witness and enjoy in Ebonyi State since the inception of the administration of His Excellency, Chief David Nweze Umahi.
”. Desirous of a peaceful transition of gubernatorial power to Unwuekumenyi people in 2023, Unwuekumenyi people prefer pursuing the return of power to them in 2023 through the well-ordered and constitutionally-guaranteed route of supporting the second-term project of the performing incumbent Governor to the gamble of a one-term “agreement” which is illegal and unenforceable by virtue of the incompetence of such one-time agreement before the Nigerian constitution. Unwuekumenyi people being conscious of the fact that no Nigerian politician has ever honoured such one-tenure agreement will not fall for that bait.
” Having regard to the foregoing facts and issues, the people of Uncellency, Chief David Nweze Umahi, in the 2019 Ebonyi gubernatorial elections; and pledge to do everything within the precincts of law, like casting votes for Engr. David Nweze Umahi and protecting same, to ensure that it succeeds.
” We hereby appeal to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and all the security agencies to ensure free and fair elections in Ebonyi State.
”The people of Unwuekumenyi hereby put the entire world on notice that we shall not tolerate any attempt to truncate the collective will of Ebonyi people in the 2019
elections.”
The Deputy Governor, Dr Kelechi Igwe, who is also member of the group was not left behind as he urged his people to support the present administration for the sake of equity and fairness since their zones have taken their turns of eight years in one person.
’’ Support the man who knows the way, shows the way and follows the way,tested and trusted for inclusive government, practical development, massive empowerment, regular and prompt payment for salaries and restore dignity to the down trodden to mention just few.
”Chief Dave Umahi deserves to be treated fairly by the Umuekumenyi and as the most populous group in the state we should vote for equity, ‘’ the deputy governor
advised.
