Jacob Ogodo, Abakaliki
The Minister of Work, Senator David Umahi, said that money will not be a problem in mobilising support for President Bola Tinubu, Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru and other candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Umahi made the declaration at the grand finale of the Ohanivo New Yam Festival held at Oshiri Primary School in the Oshiri Development Centre of the Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, where he called on the people to rally behind the APC candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The former Ebonyi governor said he had more than 5,000 billionaire friends whose financial support would be felt during the campaigns, insisting that the election would be a movement to consolidate what he described as peace and development in Ebonyi State and the Southeast.
“We have nothing to worry about. Nothing. If it comes to money, I have over 5,000 billionaires who are my friends. Who are my friends, Money will not be a problem. This election will be a movement. It will be a movement. The movement of our peace in Ebonyi State. The movement of our peace in Southeast,” Umahi said.
He also declared that the APC would embark on a grassroots mobilisation campaign across the state, urging the people to vote for Tinubu at the presidential level, Nwifuru for governor and Senator Anthony Ani for the Senate.
“We go from house to house to educate our people. All our votes will be for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, all our votes will be for Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, and all our votes will be for Senator Anthony Ani. This is the movement,” he said.
Umahi urged supporters not to destroy campaign posters or disrupt the activities of opposition parties, saying, “You are free to campaign… I don’t cause trouble.” He, however, maintained that he would continue to work with Governor Nwifuru to secure what he described as “eight years” for the administration.
“We cannot be deceived. Southeast will support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and make it a move,” he said, adding that there was “no vacancy” in Ebonyi State ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speaking at the event, Governor Nwifuru recalled the political developments leading to his emergence as governor in 2023, saying the people of Ohanivo and other supporters had demonstrated confidence in him. He said the support he received from the community had given him the confidence to seek another term in office.
“Today, this is my first time receiving a blessing personally for my second time in office. I tell you this: I tell you this for free. A lot of clans and tribes have been inviting me to attend their functions, and I deserve to take a blessing from them, and I had a chance. Because I waited for that of Ohanivo first. I say, “Four plus four,” Nwifuru said.
The governor also commended Umahi for his role at the federal level, describing his representation of Ebonyi and the Southeast in the Federal Executive Council as effective.
He further acknowledged the contributions of Ebonyi sons and daughters serving in the National Assembly, urging residents to assess lawmakers by the development they attract to their constituencies.
In a motion moved by Chief Ifesinachi Odii and supported by Ogbuefi Enekwachi Akpa, the people of Ohanivo urged Governor Nwifuru not to be distracted by what they described as the activities of “political merchants”.
Akpa, who chaired the occasion, said the New Yam Festival was a celebration of thanksgiving, culture, hard work, unity and prosperity, while calling on youths and indigenes in the diaspora to remain connected to their roots and contribute to the development of the community.
For a better society
_______________________________
Follow us across our platforms:
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/championnewsonline/
Facebook – https://web.facebook.com/championnewsonline
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/champion-newspapers-limited/
https://x.com/championnewsng/
You can also like and comment on our YouTube videos.
https://youtu.be/QIBfD1tT80w?si=R4Qf3so2LxYu3GC2
