It was a day of palpable joy, jubilation and pomp as Ebonyians celebrated the emergence of Francis Ogbonnia Nwifuru as Governor-Elect in the just concluded gubernatorial elections.
Led by the state governor, Dave Umahi, residents trooped to the the State Ecumenical Centre Abakaliki where it was all praises and dancing to the glory of God.
In his message, Governor Umahi thanked God for the grace of the victory and appealed to the people to rally round the Governor-elect for greater prosperity of the State.
” We are very grateful to God for the gift of today. Many will not understand, but when you are not backed up by God, it is so dangerous.
“Some believed that they are the most qualified to be this Governor. Whenever I go to my office, I will kneel down and pray to God that Right Honourable Francis Nwifuru will take over from me and I am happy today he has been declared winner.
“It is not about the Speaker, many people out of envy and jealousy never wanted me to have a hand in who will succeed me. What did I do? Just that I have worked beyond their imagination.
“In all, I thank God that there is no leader in this State that did not adopt Right Honourable Francis Nwifuru, not because he is the best but because he is God’s choice.”
Governor Umahi while pledging to nuture the Governor-elect to success, appealed to the people to shun clannishness in the affairs of the State.
“It is very clear to Izzi people they can not make a Governor on their own even with three Local Government Areas, the Ikwo people can not make a Governor on their own, my Ezza brothers can not make a Governor on their own, or even the whole South. We need the cooperation of others. Ebonyi will continue to remember me for equity, justice and fairness.
“When God selects you, you become a target of God, I want to thank Ebonyi people who stood for equity, justice and fairness, we thank you immensely”
The Deputy Governor, Dr Kelechi Igwe commended Governor Umahi for keeping to his promise of handing over to a more youthful person at the end of his administration.
“Your Excellency, I want to say that we are happy, the good people of Ebonyi State are happy and APC, Ebonyi State are exceedingly happy”.
Responding, the Governor-elect, Right Honourable Francis Nwifuru thanked Ebonyians for the confidence reposed in him and called on his challengers to join hands with him to move the State forward.
“This is a thoroughly deserved victory for Ebonyi people, for Continuity and Consolidation on the brilliant works of the present administration. We came on Divine Mandate and together, we shall all work to meet the needs of Ebonyi people, which is why our Manifesto is themed “The People’s Charter of Needs.
“During our campaigns, we laid before you, my dear people, what will be the essence of our administration and I make proud to say that we will not deter in fulfilling our promises to you.
“I thank very specially, all my fellow candidates from other political parties, who went on this journey with me fervently in a bid to make the lives of our people better. We brought out the bests in one another and I make bold to say that we all are winners.”
The National Treasurer of APC, Chief Matthew Uguru congratulated Governor Umahi for doing the Party proud in the State.
“On-behalf of the National Working Committee of our Party, APC , we congratulate our Governor for his good works in Ebonyi State, he has done well and his efforts gave rise to the victory we are celebrating today.”
State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Chief Stanley Emegha congratulated all members for the resounding victory.
He commended Governor Umahi for galvanizing the solidarity which birthed the victories at the polls.
“Thank you for what you have done to Ebonyi people, may God continue to strengthen you, may God continue to reward you.”
The member representing Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency, Comrade Chinedu Ogah and the Minister of State for Health, Chief Joseph Ekumankama congratulated Ebonyians for making a right choice in electing Right Honourable Francis Nwifuru and wished him well in his service to the State.
The Director General, Divine Mandate Campaign Council, Chief Austin Umahi and the Director General, Women Wing, Mrs Catherine Ogbu thanked Ebonyians for entrusting the Governor-elect with their votes assuring that he would reciprocate through good governance.
“I want to simply appreciate Almighty God who made today possible, I want to thank the Governor of this State for his doggedness, for standing on equity, I am very proud of you.
“We are celebrating because Right Honourable Francis Nwifuru represents justice, equity and faireness.”
The Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, South East Zone, Reverend Father Abraham Nwali and the Chaplin of Government House Chapel, Pastor Eunice Oyeyemi thanked God for answering the prayers of Ebonyi people.
“On-behalf of the body of Christ, South East and CAN, Ebonyi State, we say to God be all the glory, he has made today possible, let us continue to continually give praise to God.
“I want to thank God Almighty for proving whom he says he is, it is my continual prayer that God Almighty continues to be with you and guide you, his name alone will be glorified”
The tributes were preceded by praise and worship to God for the victory granted Ebonyians.
Supporters of the Governor-elect especially youths later took to the streets of Abakaliki firing fireworks and singing victory songs in excitement for the victory.
