By CHARLES IWUOHA

A group, the Unwuekumaenyi Welfare Association (UWA), Abakiliki, Ebonyi State, on Saturday threw its weight behind the defection of Governor Dave Umahi from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In an eight-point communique issued at the end of their extraordinary general meeting held at the international conference centre Abakaliki, the group lauded Governor Umahi for running an all-inclusive government with their sons and daughters occupying key positions in his administration from inception in 2015 till date.

The communique, signed by Dr Chris Achi (President), Chief Sylvester lboko (Secretary), Chief Lawrence Egede (PRO), Comrade Bernard Orogwu C. (President, Youth wing), Mrs. Theresa Igwe (President, Women wing) and 71 others said Umahi has developed the Abakiliki capital city and the entire state beyond their imagination to the envy of other states of the federation.

The communiqué said: “Umahi has engaged and empowered the youths and women of Unwuekumaenyi extraction more than any Government since the creation of Ebonyi State in 1996 till date.

“The construction of the old Abakiliki Ring Road on concrete pavement which cuts across the eight LGAs of Unwuekumaenyi extraction which commence soon and when completed, shall bring about unprecedented economic and social development in Unwuekumaenyi land and Ebonyi State in general.

“All these huge development strides achieved by our dear Governor, Engr. David Umahi despite the lean economic base of the state were made possible because of the great support of the APC led federal government under President Muhammadu Buhari to our Government and Ebonyi State Government.

“Since the APC Government has demonstrated love and support to us, it is therefore most appropriate that Unwuekumaenyi should align with our amiable Governor, David Umahi to move into the APC-led Federal Government to attract more democracy dividends from the centre to our state.

“We have therefore, resolved to move en-masse with our Governor to APC. We, as peace loving and law abiding citizens of Ebonyi state and Nigeria shall strongly resist any person or group of persons who may try to disrupt the existing peace and development in Ebonyi State in any disguise.

“We, wish to congratulate and commends His Excellency, Engr.David Umahi for taking the bold step to link Ebonyi State and entire South-East geopolitical zone to the main stream of the national politics by the historic defection from PDP to the ruling party, APC.

“We, accordingly call on all the sons and daughters of Unwuekumaenyi to join His Excellency and in fact other Ebonyians in the mass movement to the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the centre. We have no doubt in the wisdom of our Governor and leader in this decision.”