National Telescope national telescope newspaper
Former governor of Ebonyi State, Sen. David Umahi, has expressed gratitude for the continued respect shown by his successor, Gov. Francis Nwifuru, after stepping down from office.
Umahi said this while speaking to journalists after receiving an honorary doctorate degree from Ebonyi State University in Abakaliki.
Reflecting on the rarity of such harmonious transitions in leadership, Umahi attributed it to divine intervention and the wisdom exhibited by Gov. Nwifuru.
He said, ”That is the handwork of God and I am grateful to him and the governor. Governors and their predecessors are fighting in many states, but in Ebonyi, we are always celebrating. This is the mercy of God and the wisdom bestowed on the governor,”
He highlighted that while conflicts between governors and their predecessors are common in many states, Ebonyi stands out for its culture of celebration and unity.
Umahi, currently serving as Minister of Works, praised Nwifuru for fostering peace in the state and expressed confidence in the continuity of this positive trend. He referred to Nwifuru as his capable successor, likening their relationship to a seamless transition from “David” to “Solomon.
Grateful for the honor bestowed upon him by the university, Umahi pledged ongoing support for its development, acknowledging the remarkable achievements under its leadership. He also acknowledged the challenges faced by governors and their successors in other states, where power struggles often disrupt governance and progress.
The story highlights a contrast between Ebonyi State’s peaceful transition and the discord seen in other states, underscoring the challenges faced by former governors trying to maintain influence beyond their terms.
Since the return to civilian rule in 1999, it has become a common practice for many former governors to be at loggerheads with their successors some months after leaving office.
In Abia State, former governor Orji Uzor kalu fell apart with his successor, T. A. Orji soon after he left office. In Imo state, former governor Rochas Okorocha and the present governor Hope Uzodinma are at daggers drawn just like Peter Obi and his successor Wille Obiano did in Anambra.
Currently, the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike and his successor, Sim Fubara are in a duel for the control of Rivers State, while the quarrel between former governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje and Abba Yusuf has become a topical national issue.
And in Kaduna State, the former governor, Nasir El-rufai and his protege, Uba Sani have openly disagreed to the extent that other family members are throwing mud at one another.
Many of these quarrels are unconnected with the desire of the former governors to continue to control their successors even when they have left office.
