Political Briefs
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BABACHIR Lawal, secretary to the government of the federation, SGF, has commended the achievements of Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State, saying he was surprised that such performer existed in the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
Lawal, who was on a one-day visit to Ebonyi State on Thursday, January 14, said that Umahi’s performance had become a challenge to all governors, including those of the All Progressives Congress, APC.
He said he would recommend Umahi’s ‘pragmatic type of governance’ to President Muhammadu Buhari, since according to him, it should be a model for other governors to emulate.
Joking with the governor, the SGF said: “Sometimes, we get surprised that people like you are found in the PDP but there is a cliché that says good men are found everywhere.
“We like such people but we will not envy them if they remain in the PDP because they also challenge the APC governors to perform. That is the essence of opposition and competition in politics.”
The SGF commended the prudence and integrity with which Umahi was managing the lean resources available to the state.
Lawal, who appealed to all Ebonyians, members of the State House of Assembly and the executive to continue to cooperate with the governor to enable him do more, stated that “with the governor’s performances so far, he will win his election for a second term if in the APC.”
The SGF had inspected some projects in Abakaliki, including flyovers under construction and inaugurated the CBN Road in the Centenary city.
At one of the sites, Lawal, who was in company of James Ochili and Cladius Daramola, ministers of State for Niger Delta and Labour and Productivity, respectively, observed that the cost of the three flyovers was an indication that “the governor belongs to a cream of leaders in the country who are not greedy and corrupt.”
Lawal was honoured with a chieftaincy of Enyioma of Ebonyi State by the state Traditional Rulers Council.
He promised to help the state to get refund from federal government of more than N10billion it spent on the construction of federal roads in the state.
Speaking at a state Banquet, Umahi said the appointment of Lawal as SGF was an act of God.
The governor maintained that his support for the president’s administration should be seen beyond party differences, stressing that his intention was to get Ebonyi State on the right track and not party politics.
He said: “For me, the Nigeria project is not all about party, and the earlier we forget about party to an extent after elections, the better for this country.”
Umahi explained that the newly reconstructed Governor’s Lodge was named after Sam Egwu, first civilian governor of the state and a serving senator, as a mark of recognition for his humility, honesty and selfless contributions to the development of the state.
— Jan 25, 2016 @ 01:00 GMT
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