Onu Absent As APC Governors Welcome Umahi

Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi state, on Thursday, officially joined the ruling All Progressives Congress. The defection ceremony which took place at the Ecumenical Center Abakaliki had the attorney general of the federation and minister of justice, Abubakar Malami, governors of Kebbi, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, Jigawa, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, Yobe state, Mai Mala Buni, Niger state, Abubakar Sani Bello, minister of humanitarian affairs, Sadiya Faruk, among other dignitaries in attendance.

Correspondent reports that only the lawmaker representing Ezza South/ Ikwo federal constituency at the National Assembly, Hon. Chinedu Ogah, was present during the defection.

APC stakeholders in Ebonyi state and South East zone, including science and technology minister, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, were absent in the event.

Speaking during the defection, Umahi repeated that he defected from the PDP because of unfulfilled promises by the party to the South East zone and the high handedness of some leaders of the party.



Umahi said Ebonyi, as PDP people, had forgiven everyone in APC and gave assurance that everyone in APC had forgiven PDP as well.



Umahi went further: “Let me tell you something. Let your heart not fail you. No man has your destiny. When mere men tell me that I will regret this movement, I have examined myself and I have consulted God. There is a saying that says that if serving God, there is no heaven, that the peace of righteousness on earth is enough reward. The reward of freedom; freedom from dictatorship, freedom from one or two people deciding the affairs of men is gone. We are free at last and we have moved into blessings.”

Chinedu Ogah, in his remarks, said that all the national assembly members would work together with the state governor and the federal government for the development of Ebonyi state.

Former senate president, Senator Ken Nnamani, said Governor Umahi was taking the Igbo back to her roots as Ndigbo were not known for opposition. He further pointed out that the South East didn’t have the indices to be in opposition and commended the governor for taking the step he described as ‘bold and courageous’ step and urged stakeholders of Ebonyi state to support him.

Governor Mai Mala Buni said Umahi’s defection was timely, saying the party was undergoing rebuilding from the grassroots.

Highlight of the event was the inauguration of the state Caretaker Committee of APC led by Mr Stanley Okoro and presentation of APC membership card and APC flag to Governor Umahi by Governor Buni.

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