By CHARLES IWUOHA

The Ebonyi State Elders’ Council on Tuesday endorsed Governor David Umahi as the best candidate for the Nigeria’s presidential position come 2023, hinging their decision on the Governor’s astounding developmental strides in the state.

The group said it would soon commence consultations with states and stakeholders across the country to woo support for Umahi’s Presidency come 2023.

The group made the disclosure in Abakaliki while briefing newsmen on what it termed “the position of the Ebonyi State Elders’ Council on the infrastructural development in Ebonyi State.”

The group led by its Chairman, Engr. Benjamin Okah, said that the Igbo Presidency project, come 2023, was imperative for fairness and justice in Nigeria's leadership system.

Okah explained that the inspection tour of the governor's projects across the state by the Elders, informed their deep-rooted conviction that Umahi has the ability to transform Nigeria for good.

The group called on all the South-east actors to support Governor Umahi’s candidature on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the country.

“From the inspection tour to different sites that include the International Airport, the Shopping Mall, the New Government House, the Inyere Bridge, the King David University of Medical Sciences, Uburu; the Flyovers, several concrete paved roads, the Ebony State Elders’ council, wish to commend very highly the efforts of His Excellency, the Governor of Ebonyi State, Engr. David Nweze Umahi in developing the State within this short time.

“It is therefore our belief that Governor Umahi has done creditably well in budgeting, infrastructure, human capital, youth and women empowerment among others.

“To this end, we have deemed it expedient and most important to present His Excellency, Engr. Dr. David Nweze Umahi, to the people of Nigeria for the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria come May 2023.

“We make this statement confidently bearing in mind his track record, his belief in the oneness of Nigeria, his detribalized disposition on national issues; his monumental achievements in areas of agriculture, education, commerce and industry; infrastructure, and human capital development, to say but a few.

“In consideration of the above and also the popular clamour for a president of South- East Extraction we therefore call on Nigeria in different walks of life to come out in solidarity to give support to this project; to support a man of impeccable character with the zeal to develop our dear Country to compete with any other nations.

“The Ebony State Elders’ Council, therefore will start consultations with other states, leaders and other stakeholders to realize this project.

“Ebony State truly has a good and qualified person in Governor David Nweze Umahi, for President, and Nigerians will never regret having him,” Okah said.

Okah in his response to the questions from journalists, said, though the Ebonyi elders were aware of interest of the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Anyim Pius Anyim, for the position, but Anyim has not communicated them officially.

He however insisted that it would be a welcome development, and a symbol of national unity for the Presidency to be conceded to South-East, irrespective of party affiliations.

“We are aware of our illustrious son, the former Senate President and the former SGF, who is aspiring for Presidency, It is a very welcome news. It shows that Ebonyi state has come to stage. He has not inform the Elders’ Council, officially,” Okah stated.

Update news