A former governor of Ebonyi State, Martin Elechi, has cautioned the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, to be wary of widespread praises being showered on him,

Mr Elechi gave the advice on Saturday at Okposi Okwu, Ohaozara Local Government Area, during a civic reception organised by the community in honour of the minister.

The former governor, who handed over to Mr Umahi in 2015, said many of the praises might be insincere or ill-intentioned.

He said, “You deserve the praises being showered on you, but many are traps. They are either trying to gain favours from you or attempting to mislead you.’’

He recalled that Mr Umahi’s strong performance as Peoples Democratic Party chairman in Ebonyi State led to his selection as deputy governor in 2011.

Mr Elechi stated, “The way he managed party affairs reminded me of my time as NPN secretary in the Second Republic. I asked him to prepare to run with me in the 2011 elections, and Ebonyi people overwhelmingly supported us. I remain the only Nigerian truly qualified to call him my son.’’ 

Mr Elechi urged Mr Umahi to remain focused and not be distracted to derail his current duties.

He added, “From party chairman to minister, everything he has done makes us proud and connected to his success. I am proud because he is my political product, and I pray for God’s guidance over his life.’’

Recall that Mr Elechi and Mr Umahi fell out before the 2015 elections.

The rift began when Mr Umahi sought to succeed Mr Elechi as governor, which the elder politician opposed.

This led to intense political tension in the state and Mr Elechi’s eventual defection to the All Progressives Congress.

Mr Umahi later reconciled with his “political father,” with their bond further strengthened when he also joined the APC.

(NAN)