The Minister of Works, David Umahi, says most people he helped to power during the 2023 general elections now avoid him.

Speaking with journalists on Thursday in Abakaliki, Mr Umahi said that even National Assembly members whom he helped to power were among those who now avoid him, adding that they were not disturbed by their behaviour.

“Only Chief Onyekachi Nwebonyi will openly acknowledge that I am his father and boss,” said Mr Umahi. “The others feel that by doing so, the state governor, my successor, will be angry with them.”

“The governor cannot do that because he too openly acknowledges that I was instrumental to his emergence,” he added.

He said the development stopped him from having political godsons and instead opted for political friends.

“I will fight anybody who makes trouble with the governor because he deserves our respect.

“I have done my bit, have left the stage and have to respect myself,” he said.

Mr Umahi said there were usually crises between predecessors and successors, adding that “I am, however, not available for such because I have been so blessed in life by God.

“There are always pathways to successes and failures, and when you dig for someone to fail, you have already failed.”

The minister vowed to stick with Governor Francis Nwifuru for eight years and thanked God for giving the governor the grace to unite all leaders of the state.

“The issue of the leaders staying together for long is not our business but I have known the governor for 16 years and will continue to support him.

“I will never regret making him my successor as he, alongside few others, stood with me during the hard decision of defecting to the APC,” he said.

At an event in Ebonyi last month, Mr Umahi said he was happy that Mr Nwifuru still honours him after leaving office.

The minister said it was rare to hand over to a successor and still be continually honoured by him, stating, “That is the handwork of God, and I am grateful to him and the governor.”
(NAN)