Am being ignored by most of my loyalist whom i helped to power – David Umahi

David Umahi, the Minister of Works, has stated that most of the people he helped to power in the 2023 general elections now ignores him.

Speaking to journalists in Abakaliki on Thursday, Mr Umahi stated that even National Assembly members he helped to elect were among those who now shun him, adding that they were not troubled by their actions.

“Only Chief Onyekachi Nwebonyi will openly acknowledge that I am his father and boss,” said Mr Umahi. “The others feel that by doing so, the state governor, my successor, will be angry with them.”

“The governor cannot do that because he too openly acknowledges that I was instrumental to his emergence,” he added.

He said the development stopped him from having political godsons and instead opted for political friends.

“I will fight anybody who makes trouble with the governor because he deserves our respect.

“I have done my bit, have left the stage and have to respect myself,” he said.

Mr Umahi said there were usually crises between predecessors and successors, adding that “I am, however, not available for such because I have been so blessed in life by God.

“There are always pathways to successes and failures, and when you dig for someone to fail, you have already failed.”

The minister vowed to stick with Governor Francis Nwifuru for eight years and thanked God for giving the governor the grace to unite all leaders of the state.

“The issue of the leaders staying together for long is not our business but I have known the governor for 16 years and will continue to support him.

“I will never regret making him my successor as he, alongside few others, stood with me during the hard decision of defecting to the APC,” he said.

The minister said it was rare to hand over to a successor and still be continually honoured by him, stating, “That is the handwork of God, and I am grateful to him and the governor.”
(NAN)