High Expectations From Gov. Umahi Of Ebonyi State
Ebonyi people expect high performance from Governor Dave Umahi who is the third executive governor of the state since 1999. After the tough April 11, 2015 governorship election of the state which recorded high death rate of citizens of the state, the people have tried to reunite. Reconciliatory meetings between dissenting factions, especially the governor and his former boss have held, though it is yet to be ascertained the genuineness of their smiles.
What Ebonyi people expect are many. There is need to decentralize the development in the state so that Ebonyi does not remain a one-city state. Investigations have revealed that there is acute lack of social amenities in the capital city, not to talk of Afikpo and the rural areas. The road network by the past governments has started waning off, an indication that the contract were awarded to sub-standard contractors. For instance, the only road linking the major cities of Abakaliki and Afikpo, has remained death trap for motorists. Also many communities are yet to be connected with motorable roads.
On rural electrification project, many communities still live in darkness, though it is a national embarrassment, while some of those already connected always have a loggerhead with the power providers over overbilling. The educational system, though commendable, needs revamping as many pupils are still studying under trees and on the floor. Hospitals need to be upgraded and equipped. Wealth creation and job opportunities should be given priority attention since the people of the state are known to be very industrious and dedicated to service. The distribution of positions should be equal and should be based on merits if the state must move forward.
In his interview with a national daily, Chief Umahi said in parts, “My vision is to consolidation on the foundations laid by past leaders of Ebonyi State, and I will ensure total commitment to the ideals of the founding fathers of the state; and to pursue an integrated policy of economic development and transformation anchored on agro-industrialization, aggressive prospection/ exploitation of the rich mineral deposits of Ebonyi State, to take the state a tourist destination and a haven for investors through a balanced and vibrant economy. And provide effective leadership and benign political governance that will ultimately lead to significant improvements in the standard of living for all Ebonyians.”
“When we come to power by God’s grace, we will deepen this love among our people. Honestly we were in bondage. That is very unfortunate, people should remember that it is God that has the final say. You humiliate people, you oppress people, you impoverish people and you think that you will always have your way. All we needed to do was to put good roads, electricity in a good location, not in a swamp. And if you do that in a good location, still within the Abakaliki territory, which has enough land space, the cost of construction would be reduced drastically. I think education of the Ebonyi people is well above the building of market.”
“Look at the case of Ebonyi Cement Company where an individual got 100 million shares while the state was given 50 million shares. About the same thing happened in the Ebonyi Oil and Gas. That amounts to mortgaging the state. To me, it is wrong to divert the wealth of the state to an individual, while others are impoverished. The worst thing you can do to a people is to use what God has given them to impoverish them. For me, we shall have to consider the opinion of the people. Before we take bold steps, gigantic projects, we shall seek the input of the stakeholders, the local government councils. We engage the people to determine what they need and how best to go about it. But, when you hold something in trust for the people like you have become their god, they won’t trust you. If I clinch my fingers, you will be more concerned about what is there. But, when our cards are on the table we can generate the confidence of the people.”
“The task of building the Ebonyi State projects of our dream, which we can proudly bequeath to the future generation, is greater than any one of us, and will not be easy. I am, however, very confident that if we sink our differences and work as a team with a common destiny, which is the raison d’etre of the Divine Mandate project, our model state can be realised. The dreams, which are consistent with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as encapsulated in my manifesto involve the creation of a dynamic economy designed to serve the people’s interest, and in which market forces are combined with the forces of partnership, solidarity and cooperation to create and produce goods and services for all.
I’m prepared to establish free and democratic society, in which the powers and actions of government are lawful, and where those in authority are held accountable to the people; build a just society, which provides basic needs, ensures equal opportunities for self- development through education and gainful employment, defend the dignity of the human person; judges its strength by the condition of the weak, provides security against fear; and delivers the masses from the tyranny of poverty, oppression and abuse of power. I will ensure qualitative implementation of people-oriented programmes with particular emphasis on war against poverty, through integrated rural development; rapid industrial growth, science and technology; as well as rebuilding and expanding basic infrastructure that will make us competitive.”
Most Ebonyians, however, are of the hope that Umahi will bring more fortune to the state as well as build on the projects put in place by the Elechi’s administration. Many are confident that Umahi has all it takes to take the state to a higher level in development.
David Nweze Umahi, popularly known as Dave Umahi, was born on January 1, 1964 into the family of Elder Chief Joseph Umahi Nwaze of Umunaga, Uburu autonomous community in Uburu Clan, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. He attended Umunaga Primary School in Uburu from 1971 to 1977 where he bagged his First Leaving School Certificate with Distinction. His secondary education was at Ishiagu High School and the prestigious Government Secondary School Afikpo. He got admission into the Anambra State University of Science and Technology where he obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering from 1982 to 1987.
He is a Fellow of Nigeria Society of Engineers (NSE), member, council of Registered Engineers (COREN) and Fellow of Council of Technologists of Nigeria (FCORTN). Umahi became a born again Christian in 1979 in the Assemblies of God Church. In 1990 in Lagos, he joined Christ Embassy He was made a Deacon in the Church in 1994. He is married to Mrs. Rachel Umahi a woman-leader and committed Christian and they are blessed with seven children.
A certified engineer, Umahi was the Deputy Governor of the state. He is one of the only two deputy governors to succeed their bosses in the 2015 political dispensation. His political profile rose when he was first appointed as the Acting Chairman of Ebonyi State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party from 2007 to 2009.
Following his performance as Acting Chairman, he was elected the substantive State Chairman of PDP during the 2009 State Congress of the People’s Democratic Party, a position he held till 2011. In 2011, he emerged as the running mate to Governor Martin Elechi in the gubernatorial election of Ebonyi State. Subsequently, he was elected the Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State on 26 April 2011 and was sworn in on 29 May 2011.
Between October 2014 and April 2015, he was involved in a long running fight with his boss, Chief Martin Elechi, over the control of the PDP in the state. Subsequently, with the support of the presidency, Umahi took over the party structures of the PDP in the state and emerged as the gubernatorial candidate. On April 12, 2015, after the conclusion of voting in Ebonyi State, Umahi was declared winner and returned as the Governor-elect of Ebonyi State after months of fighting his boss over his aspiration.
Muhammad Ajah is an Ebonyi citizen, a writer, author, advocate of good governance and the rule of law Email: [email protected]