UMAHI: THE MAN EBONYI NEEDS


By Philip Nweze

Who shall we send and who will go for us in the 2019 governorship race?

Before I answer this pertinent question, it is imperative to point out an obvious fact. Ebonyi state is seeking for a man with vision. A leader who is in possession of some viable, perhaps even tested ideas in matters of statecraft, not one who would start groping after being entrusted with power. A politician with wide network of connections, not baby politicians in diapers and starters with no resume of political activism ever. This is a time that demands that only men and women of mettle should stand up to be counted. The times we found ourselves is not meant for the faint hearted.

The situation we find ourselves require grit, guts and wisdom. This explains why analysts spot the incumbent Governor, Engr David Umahi tall among his fellow contenders in next year's race for the number one Juicy executive seat.

Governor Umahi has been in the saddle for three years and this is what we know about him. He has a large heart and that heart is dedicated to the good of our beloved land, Ebonyi. Engr Umahi is one of the few persons who believe that meagre resources could be used to achieve much if we remove greed and corruption.

In matters of governance, he plays no favourites and is not one to operate under the veil of bias or discrimination. This is not a common thing in the arena of politics and government in Nigeria. If you are looking for a man who is diligent in his work with a keen eye for details and due process, there is none better than Governor David Nweze Umahi. Umahi's eyes for excellence and due process makes him the best man for the job. His administration has set new rules of engagement and hard-line approach, the kind that produce results. The focus of his administration is hinged on populist projects. He is a man well tailored to fit into today's political climate.

Nigeria is at the cusp of stupendous change. Umahi has been tapped as one of the Chief Engineers that must make that change by destiny. It seems he has been born for this moment and this moment born for him.

Ironically, a lot of people never gave him a chance in 2015. Conspiracy theories were woven by detractors. He faced a Titanic political battle but he soared above them all. The good news for us and bad news for them is that he did in three years what they could not do in eight years. Seeing his achievements today, the opposition is still trapped in utter shock. And they are trashing about in wild uncoordinated confusion.

Umahi's sojourn through life appears to have been pre-ordained and conditioned for leadership and impact. His life is an emerging radiance and we have only caught a glimpse of his potential. With him there are no rhetoric as the people themselves bear loud testimonies of vision.

Even in the rural areas, his mark is there. Our local government areas have become a maze of urbanizing communities with the familiar feel of a city. The impressive network of good roads that link up villages and communities is a new invention in Ebonyi state. Dave is a grassroots operator. He knows everybody by their names.

Ebonyians, vote someone with skills, experience and track records of creating progress, not political neophytes and green horns who are still learning the ropes of politics.

Let me close this piece with the anthem of Divine Mandate campaign in Ebonyi state, a popular Christian song composed by James McGranhan who lived from 1840 to 1907. The song says:

There shall be showers of blessings
This is the promise of God
There shall be seasons refreshing
Sent from the saviour above

REFRAIN:
Showers of blessings
Showers of blessings we need
Mercy-drops round us are falling
But for the showers we plead

I witnessed this change last month, I was truly baffled with what I saw in abakaliki. I heard it's the same thing playing out in other LGs