By CHARLES IWUOHA

The Ebonyi State Chapter of apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has called on Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State not to nurse any ambition in quitting politics in 2023.

The body rather advises him to make himself available to occupy a national position in the country due to his track record of leadership ingenuity.

The Leader of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Ebonyi State, Deacon Boniface Offor, made the call when he led the organisation on a Christmas homage to Governor Umahi at his country home in Uburu, Ohaozara Local government Area.

According to Offor, Umahi deserves the opportunity to extend his pragmatic leadership across Nigeria, promised to magnify the good news of Ebonyi State transformation under him to all nooks and crannies.

“Because you are the person chosen by God to make Nigeria better, do not say you are withdrawing from politics, Ndigbo will not take it, Nigeria will not take it,” he said.

Speaking earlier, Umahi commended Ohanaeze Ndigbo for the warm sentiments and visit.

He congratulated the outgoing National president of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo, for working assiduously to agitate for the welfare of Ndigbo.

“He has done extremely well for Ndigbo, he is leaving a very big shoe; my prayer is for God to bring someone who will fit in,” Umahi said.

In a related development, the Governor also received a delegation of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) who paid him a thank-you visit for the promotion of workers in the state based on vacancies from 2021.

Umahi however, explained that promotions are done when there is a vacancy in the system.

“Promotion is based on availability of vacancy. Next year we will be talking about further Agricultural empowerment and promotion based on vacancy,” he said.

He directed that compilation of vacancies in various MDAs should begin while a written examination will be a determinant for the promotion.

The leader of the delegation, Comrade Leonard Nkah, extolled the Governor for an adequate welfare package for Civil servants in the state.

The Governor also received the delegation of Nigerian Law School Students who conferred on him an award as the Lion of the East for his love for the students.

He appealed to them to take their studies seriously and be good ambassadors of the State.

He later received delegations from the Traditional Rulers Council led by Eze Charles Mkpuma who is also the chairman of south-East Traditional Rulers Council, the TAs, STAs, EAs, ministries of Agriculture, Market Development, Environment and the Divine Mandate Pastors who were unanimous in their commendation of the Governor for the massive transformation of the State.

The Christ Embassy Church led by Pastor Eunice Oyeyemi particularly praised the Governor for the manner he handled the COVID-19 pandemic and promised to keep praying for the Government.

“We have come to let you know that you have not only been good to Ebonyi State alone but to the entire country because you have a good heart and you do whatever the Lord asks you to do,” Pastor Oyeyemi said.

The Governor commended the church for always standing by him.

Other callers to the Governor’s home were Vice Chairmen of the 13 Council areas, Association of Permanent Secretaries, Umuaneke Community, South-East for Igbo Presidency come 2023 and Onicha Christian Community.

The Leader of the South-East for Igbo Presidency said they were interfacing major political parties in the country to zone the presidential slot to the south-East zone come 2023.

Speaking during the visit, Umahi said he was a strong adherent of one Nigeria and pledged to continue to give equal opportunities in the state.

He enjoined the Ministry of Environment to enforce the concreting of the frontage of all houses and business premises within the capital city.

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