Umahi vows to tackle corruption, says Ebonyi not part of Biafra

Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi, yesterday, pledged to fight corruption to a standstill in the country and declared that Ebonyi is not part of Biafra and can never be in Biafra.

He urged other ethic nationalities not to be afraid of a president of Igbo extraction, adding that the insinuation that an Igbo president would divide the country was unrealistic and impossible.

Umahi made the statement in Abakaliki after his return from Abuja where he notified President Muhammadu Buhari of his intent to contest the presidency of the country and pleaded with the president to consider a political solution to the agitations of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

He cautioned those working towards the destabilisation of the South East region to desist, adding that the position of the South East Governor’s Forum and other leaders of the zone, was to work for a united and indivisible Nigeria.

He, however, stated that if he emerges as president of the country on May 29, 2023, he would fight corruption to a standstill, so as to move the country forward.

Umahi also pledged to achieve a corrupt-free nation, maintaining that as president of the country, he would replicate his infrastructure achievement in Ebonyi State in all geopolitical zones of the country.

The governor, who is also Chairman, South East Governor’s Forum, insisted that power belonged to God, adding that no man could achieve power and political position because of money, exposure and strength.

He said that he had been receiving calls from prominent Nigerians from all the zones of the country, pointing out that from the calls he had received so far, he had been reassured and encouraged to work towards achieving his ambition.

Umahi also assured Ebonyi people that his presidential ambition would not affect ongoing projects in the state, saying: “Even if I am campaigning, I will ensure that all projects will continue to progress.”

He told the gathering that President Buhari would visit the state in March this year, pointing out that the visit would usher in good fortunes for the state.