Buhari has done more for South-East than PDP’s 16-year rule—Governor Umahi

Ebonyi State Governor David Umahi, who is also the Chairman of the South-East Governors’ Forum, has stated that the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government has benefited the region more than the Peoples Democratic Party’s 16-year rule in the country.

Under Buhari, according to Umahi, the Igbo had a level playing field in terms of economic and infrastructure growth, which was lacking under the PDP.

Under Buhari, according to Umahi, the Igbo had a level playing field in terms of economic and infrastructure growth, which was lacking under the PDP.

The governor argued that the N10 billion airport rehabilitation, the 2nd Niger Bridge, the Enugu-Port-Harcourt Expressway, and other infrastructure projects show how the Buhari administration has benefited the South-East states.

“These are all signs that this administration is doing more than ever to assist the South-East. We believe in constituted authorities and established institutions.

That is why the Federal Republic of Nigeria remains under President Muhammadu Buhari’s capable leadership. We also believe in governors’ leadership, so our differing points of view will not be a hindrance to governance.

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“The South-East believes in Nigeria as a country. Our forefathers’ sacrifices will never be in vain. Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, one of our most revered founding fathers, was at the forefront of championing the cause of one Nigeria, the cause of an independent Nigeria, and we cannot, for any reason, abandon that vision. People’s views are formed based on a variety of factors. There have been problems of underdevelopment and marginalization.

“You may recall that the PDP’s 16-year rule in the South-East resulted in no progress. As a result of these accumulated problems, people have differing viewpoints, but the majority viewpoint prevails.

Our leaders believe in a united Nigeria with peace, and I believe it is past time for the Nigerian government to consider granting the presidency to the South-East, regardless of political party.

“It’s critical to give everyone a sense of belonging, regardless of political affiliation. We must fight for Nigeria’s corporate survival.”

Asked if Umahi is interested in running for Presidency, the commissioner said the governor had not said so.

“I know the governor will do anything if he is motivated. For the time being, he is happy and focused on delivering the dividends of democracy in Ebonyi State. So far, so good; we’ve seen in him a man of extraordinary ability, a performer, a pacesetter, God’s instrument, and an Ebonyi State vessel of honor. There is a significant distinction. We had no trust as a people before he came on board, but that has all changed now.

“I want to say that, despite our emotions, sentiments, and some encounters we must have had at the hands of criminals or bandits, whether they are herders or kidnappers, that should not negate the fact that criminals can be found anywhere in Nigeria.

”But essentially, government of every state under this federal system that we operate, including the federal government has a primary responsibility under the constitution to secure and protect the lives and property of the citizens.

“That is a non-negotiable point. Any government that compromises this will be found to be failing in its responsibilities. After that, I’d like to point out that the governors of the South-East are doing a fantastic job.

In Ebonyi State, we have a comprehensive strategy for dealing with insecurity. On the issue of criminals, we have strengthened security and put in place required facilities to checkmate criminals, such as making Ebonyi a smart city state, with CCTV cameras installed in various junctions across the state to monitor criminal activities.”