Governor David Umahi has boasted that he is a man with “excess grace” from God, which enabled him to win a senatorial seat and enthroned a successor as governor.

Mr Umahi made the assertion on Monday night during a thanksgiving session he organised for the victory of the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate Francis Nwifuru in the March 18 poll.

The governor explained that no conspiracy could overcome him as people, out of jealousy, tried to stop him from being elected as a senator and enthroning his successor.

“You know how governors are currently struggling to be reelected, enthrone successors and be elected senators. We are three governors in the South-East, for instance, who sought to enthrone successors, but only one (me) succeeded,” the Ebonyi governor stated.

Mr Umahi added, “Only two governors were elected into the senate, and despite all apprehensions, the APC performed marvellously in the South-East zone.”

He said he would not mount pressure on Mr Nwifuru or try influencing his government.

“At this time on May 29, I will bow to him and say: ‘my boss, I salute you’. He is my son, and if he finds anything difficult, he will consult me, and I will be there for him. When Nwifuru was nominated, I prayed to God that I don’t want my enemy to succeed me but him (Nwifuru),” Mr Umahi explained.

The governor urged the governor-elect to enshrine a reward system to appreciate all those who worked “assiduously to ensure his success.”

Before the election, Mr Nwifuru, the Ebonyi House of Assembly speaker, said, “I specially thank our father and leader of the party, Governor Umahi, and assure him that I will be a worthy successor” and promised to fulfil “my campaign promises and urge my fellow contestants to join me in making Ebonyi, the envy of other states of the federation.”

(NAN