Works minister David Umahi says nothing will make him quarrel with his successor, Governor Francis Nwifuru, whom he described as “a worthy son.”

Mr Umahi said this on Wednesday in Abakaliki during a reception organised by the Ebonyi governor in honour of former political officeholders in the state.

The minister said he had no regrets about standing, fighting and risking his life to ensure that Mr Nwifuru became the state governor.

“I have no regrets knowing and trusting him for 16 years, as only a few persons present can boast of relationships that last for such periods. The most beautiful thing is that Nwifuru knows everything we did, as there was nothing, such as projects, that did not pass through him,” said Mr Umahi.

He noted that he would not pressure Mr Nwifuru, as he did not forget anything in Ebonyi Government House.

The former Ebonyi governor added, “I will not apologise to those who feel offended by my actions again because I have done so while leaving office. 

“All my mistakes and successes have been inherited by Nwifuru as we made friends and enemies together. I urge everyone to be patient with the governor because he has good intentions to develop the state.”

Mr Nwifuru, the speaker of the Ebonyi parliament during Mr Umahi’s reign as governor, stated, “Umahi is my father, boss and mentor; words cannot describe what he has done for me in life.”

Mr Nwifuru called on the Ebonyi people to be patient with his government.

“We have completed the policies of the past administration and will concentrate more on human empowerment,” he said.

The former executive council members, principal officers of government, and state House of Assembly members, among other political office holders, graced the occasion. 

(NAN)