The Ebonyi State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria has expressed worries that Governor David Umahi’s recent disagreement with some major stakeholders in the State over his defection would hamper his developmental projects.
The CAN leadership led by its Chairman, Rev. Father Abraham Nwali, in a mediatory/courtesy visit to the Governor on Tuesday, sued for peace, maintaining that everyone has the right to move or remain in any political party of his choice.
They noted that it was too early to begin extreme politicking at this point when the people were desirous to see the completion of the International Airport, Olympic size stadium, among other ongoing projects across the State.
Nwali and the Bishop of Abakaliki Diocese of the Anglican Communion, Monday Nkwoagu, who spoke for the group during the visit, enjoined the Governor to employ all wisdom and tact at his disposal to quell the brewing crises as there could be no development without peace.
Nwali said: “Finally, we want to make a passionate appeal, and that passionate appeal is this: CAN is religiously minded and constitutionally minded.
“But we can’t leave the centre because of what is awaiting us.
“We need the peace.
“That peace is all that we are looking for.
“We are also going to seek your blessing to interface with the other group, also to plead for that peace.
“As a father, you are the vanguard of peace, but continue to remind us, let us continue to live in peace.
“Let us live in peace.
“Ebonyi will contain the grand children, the great grand children, the father, the mother and everybody.
“…Ebonyi State is a young, growing State, and our case is not different.
“In Washington DC, which I know, there is always a sweep between Democrats and Republicans.
“There is always a movement depending on the signal of your political ideology.
“In Europe, there is a move from the left to the right.
“There is nothing wrong with movement.
“It is where do you go to get your satisfaction and what you use to do your work.
“Why would there be extraordinary clamour…
“Our worry is the focus to finish, especially these three serious projects: the ring road, the airport and the stadium.
“We need the centre to finish them.”
Nwali further extolled the infrastructural strides of Umahi, which they maintained has brought fame and prestige to the State, saying: “Ebonyi State can never write the history of this generation forever without your name.”
Governor Umahi while responding assured CAN that there was no crisis in the State.
He maintained that the fight against the State and its government by about 10 persons cannot override the solidarity of the majority of the stakeholders.
According to him, the fight was not unusual, but a confirmation that he is a genuine governor.
Umahi further maintained that he still has no regrets joining the APC, adding that President Muhammadu Buhari has favoured Ebonyi more than APC states before now.
President Buhari, according to him, has in addition to other favours approved N3.4 billion for the commencement of a cancer treatment centre at the State’s new College of Medicine in Uburu.
Umahi appreciated the CAN for their solidarity, counsels and prayers for the State, assuring that he would ultimately conquer in the battle.
Umahi said: “I can assure you that there can be no crises in the State.
“If it happened before, it cannot happen again under my administration.”
The delegation comprised the leaders of all the five blocs of CAN, Bishops and other CAN executives in the State.
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