We in the Alaigbo Development Foundation (ADF) feel greatly alarmed over recent developments in our Region involving the activities of our brother(?) Governor, Chief Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State.
Although he has never ceased to amaze us with series of actions of his which consistently display character traits similar to those of the late infamous Idi Amin Dada of Uganda. Yet there comes a time we must all stand up against a man whose ambition is to hand over his people as a ransom and for slaughter for the benefit of his personal ambition.
Recall how he has stoutly stood against the setting up of a Regional Security Architecture for our zone; Recall the way, due to the same personal ambition, Gov. Dave Umahi stood against and sabotaged the electoral chances of a ticket involving nwafor Igbo in the 2019 Presidential election; Recall his flirtations and warm embrace of every and any anti-Igbo policy of the Federal Government including the infamous Community Policing Policy of the Federal Authorities, etc, etc. Recently, he led his co-travellers on a trip to Rivers State as if to celebrate the mass killings of our people in Obigbo and other parts of Rivers State.
In recent times, the Alaigbio Development Foundation (ADF) had occasion to cry foul when Gov. Umahi ruthlessly descended on Hon Abia Onyike, a former Commissioner of Ebonyi State and former Deputy National President of the Nigerian Union of Journalists for daring to ask question on behalf of good governance in Ebonyi State..
It is indeed with very heavy heart that we watched the media briefing of Gov. Dave Umahi, following the Ebonyi State Security Council Meeting of Nov, 2020. It was like a horror film!
How could any normal person device such a scheme literarily meant to politically and physically wipe out the cream of Ebonyi leadership, nay Igbo leadership?
Look at the names – Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, former Senate President and former Secretary to the Federal Government, Dr Sam Egwu, former Governor of Ebonyi State, Senator Obinna Ogba, etc. and look at the frivolous but albeit serious charges he made against them.
Why could Gov. Umahi not have complained to Ebonyi or Igbo leaders of whatever he has against those whom he has levied such serious accusations? Does Gov. Umahi consider the consequences of his accusation on the safety of lives of those he has risen up against?
While the recent Communique Gov. Umahi read on behalf of his colleagues during the visit of President Buhari’s Chief of Staff may be regarded as their personal SURRENDER DECLARATION, his recent unprincipled defection to the APC may be regarded as a celebration of that declaration. But what right has he to cajole and blackmail other Ebonyi leaders to follow him. It does seem that the Governor has no limit to respect any longer and is playing God. Very unfortunate indeed! But must Ndigbo allow one man – Gov Dave Umahi – to continue to put their national destiny in constant jeopardy?
PROFESSOR T. UZODINMA NWALA
ADF PRESIDENT.