The President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday commended Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi state for completing federal project in the state
President Buhari made the call when he had audience with the governor, stakeholders and traditional rulers at council chambers, government house Abakaliki.
While commending Umahi, the president promised “to refund monies spent on the projects in the state after the review committee would have audited the projects”.
He said Umahi told him during their short drive to the government house, that he had not received up to 40 percent of the funds spent on federal projects in the state, but assured him the monies will be refunded once the audit committee headed by the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, conclude its work.
The President also told traditional rulers in the state that his administration’s plans to invest in agriculture was deliberate, recalling that the First Republic was good in agriculture, because the land was abundant and grazing routes developed.
Umahi in his remarks said irrespective of some perceptions, the south-east has benefited from federal government projects.
He added that the federal government’s agricultural programme has benefited the state immensely which has resulted in increase in rice production.
He noted that the state has comparative advantage in agriculture and solid minerals.
“South-east has fared very well in terms of distribution of projects. We have abundance of salt and we have found solution on how to develop our salt and we needed your help to do that and you gave your approval. The solid mineral development fund is also assisting us to develop our solid minerals”.
“We have also benefited very much from your agricultural programme and we have comparative advantage in agriculture and solid minerals and we are grateful for the support in this area from you. Our people may be complaining about appointment but I keep saying that you are a listening president and you are still coming. The relation with the state and the way you have taken me as your son, we are grateful”, Umahi said.
The governor of Ebonyi State, David Umahi in his remarks said irrespective of some perceptions, the south east have benefited from federal government projects.
He added that the federal government’s agricultural programme have benefited the state immensely which has resulted in increase in rice production.
He noted that the state has comparative advantage in agriculture and solid minerals.
“Southeast have fared very well in terms of distribution of projects. We have abundance of salt and we have found solution on how to develop our salt and we needed your help to do that and you gave your approval. The solid mineral development fund is also assisting us to develop our solid minerals”.
“We have also benefited very much from your agricultural programme and we have comparative advantage in agriculture and solid minerals and we are grateful for the support in this area from you. Our people may be complaining about appointment but I keep saying that you are a listening president and you are still coming. The relation with the state and the way you have taken me as your son, we are grateful”, Umahi said.
Similarly Traditional Rulers endorsing the president for second tenure said he will get the support of many voters in Ebonyi state during the February 16th Presidential elections.
The traditional rulers also endorsed the state Governor, David Umahi for a second term.
Chairman of Traditional Rulers Council, Eze Charles Mkpuma, further stated that Buhari is loved by the people of the state because of the robust relationship he has with governor Umahi despite the fact that they belong to different parties.
They said that this will translate to more votes for the president on election day
They gave the assurance during an audience with the President at the Ebonyi State Government House In Abakaliki.
Mkpuma who commended Buhari’s determination to tackle the security situation of the country especially in in his efforts in tackling terrorism and fight against corruption, said Buhari was deserving of their votes irrespective of party differences.
The monarch who spoke on behalf of 140 traditional rulers in the state said the President has done well in fight against Boko Haram and second corruption.
“We appreciate your dogged determination to maintain utmost security of the country especially your effort in eliminating Boko Haram and fight against corruption which has brought respect and integrity to the country among committee of nations.
“We believe that your robust relationship with our son the governor and your loved for him and the state will surely earn you votes in Ebonyi state irrespective of party differences.”, the monarch said.
Mkpuma, said the traditional rulers are happy with the leadership of the governor, David Umahi, who has virtually touched every facets of human and infrastructural development of the state, adding “we the traditional rulers like other residents of the state have been rejuvenated and revived by the governor.
They told the President that Umahi deserves a second term for the sake of equity as the two former governors before him from other zones also had two tenures.
“Since the inception of the presenct democratic dispensation, Ebonyi state has operated rotation of the governorship seat among the three senatorial zones. Thus North had eight years with the same man, central had two terms with same man and south is entitled to eight years with the same man.
“It is right and proper that tradition should continue. This is why we have endorsed incumbent governor David Umahi whose performance has been historic and superlative as the sole candidate for 2019 gubernatorial election in Ebonyi state. We are happy with the governor. he has touched every facet of human and infrastructural development of the state”, Mpkuma said.
The monarchs later presents 1,000 yams and 1,000 bags to Mr Buhari. End
