Political appointees of the Ebonyi State Governor, Chief David Umahi from Ezzaegu zone in Ishielu Local Government Area of the State and Community leaders from the area yesterday disagreed over the endorsement of the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon Francis Nwifuru as the preferred candidate of the All Progressives Congress APC.
Briefing Journalist yesterday in Abakaliki after it’s meeting, the Special Assistant to Governor Umahi on Lands and Survey, Chief Emma Igwe said that the community has decided to aligned themselves with the position of the APC zoning committee which recommended power shift to Ebonyi North Senatorial District.
Chief Igwe who spoke on behalf of other political appointees from the area said that their decision to adopt the Ebonyi North Senatorial District to produce the next Governor of Ebonyi State came up after their extensive deliberations on the political situation in the state.
The communique read in parts: “That we, the entire stakeholders and leaders of thought of Ezzaegu zone fully and unanimously align with the position of the zoning committee as constituted by Governor David Umahi
“The appointees who unanimously adopted Governor Umahi as their sole candidate for the President of Nigeria, come 2023 also adopted Hon Francis Nwifuru who was recently endorsed by the Governor as his preferred candidate of the APC for the 2023 gubernatorial election.
The appointees noted that their decision followed his sterling performance as a two times Speaker of Ebonyi States House of Assembly adding that it is expected that after the tenure of the Speaker, Ebonyi Central zone would produce the next Governor.
But in a swift reaction, the National President of Ezzaegu General Assembly, Chief Tobias Offia and the National Secretary, Comrade Micheal Mbaba described as kangaroo and fake adding that the purported meeting was held by three individuals who pride themselves as stakeholders and leaders of thought from the community.
The group noted that the appointees are merely seeking attention of the State Government either to secure their jobs or justify any gratification for that purpose.
“The exercise is a total nullity and failure as the people of old Ezzagu zone were never consulted or reached before taking the resolutions.
“It is interesting to note that the said meeting was never held as the Special Assistant to the Ebonyi State Governor on Lands and Survey, Chief Emmanuel Igwe only conscripted two other persons to endorse the communique.
“The resolutions are not only absurd but a mockery which should not be taking seriously, as it was a handiwork of a self serving individual who wanted to be noticed.p
“It is also ridiculous and vote of incompetence that Chief Emmanuel Igwe lacks the capacity to convene stakeholders meeting in Ezzaegu community which made him and his cohorts to hide in one hotel at Abakaliki to draft out resolutions”.
They noted that the resolution doesn’t represent the decision of the entire community adding that the community has dissociated itself from the purported resolutions as highlighted.
“All the endorsements are hereby cancelled and nullified until the people of Ezzagu zone review the political situation in the State before taking a definite stand”. Ends.
