By Kenneth Onuoha
A group known as Unwuekumaenyi Welfare Association (UWA), Abakiliki, Ebonyi state, on Saturday November 28, expressed its support for Governor David Umahi, who recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In an eight-point communique issued at the end of its extraordinary general meeting held at the International Conference Centre, Abakaliki, the group lauded Governor Umahi for running an all-inclusive government, which saw sons and daughters of its members occupying key positions in his administration.
The communique, which was signed by Dr Chris Achi (president), Chief Sylvester lboko (secretary), Chief Lawrence Egede ( PRO), Comrade Bernard Orogwu C. (president youth wing), Mrs Theresa Igwe (president, women wing) and 71 others, stated that Umahi has developed the Abakiliki Capital City and the entire state beyond their imagination, to the envy of other states of the federation.
“Umahi has engaged and empowered the youths and women of Unwuekumaenyi extraction more than any government since the creation of Ebonyi state in 1996 till date.
” The construction of the old Abakiliki Ring Road and others across the eight LGAs of Unwuekumaenyi extraction which would commence soon shall bring about unprecedented economic and social development in Unwuekumaenyi land and Ebonyi state in general.
“All these huge development strides achieved by our dear Governor, Engr. David Umahi despite the lean resources of the state, were made possible because of the great support of the APC-led federal government under President Muhammadu Buhari, to the Ebonyi state government.
“Since the APC government has demonstrated love and support to us, it is therefore most appropriate that Unwuekumaenyi aligns with our amiable governor, Umahi, to move into the APC led federal government to attract more democracy dividends from the centre to our state.
“We have therefore, resolved to move en-masse with our governor to APC. We, as peace loving and law abiding citizens of Ebonyi state and Nigeria shall strongly resist any person or group of persons who may try to disrupt the existing peace and development in Ebonyi state.
“We congratulate and commend His Excellency, Engr. David Umahi for taking the bold step to link Ebonyi state and the entire Southeast geopolitical zone to the main stream of the national politics by this historic defection from PDP to the ruling party, APC.
“We call on all the sons and daughters of Unwuekumaenyi to join His Excellency and infact, other Ebonyians in the mass movement to the APC at the centre. We have no doubt in the wisdom of our governor and leader in this decision”, the group stated.