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Umahi Advocates Unity Among Ebonyi NASS Aspirants, Seeks Consensus As State Targets 95% Votes For Tinubu

Published

5 months ago

April 26, 2026

Joel Ajayi

The Honourable Minister of Works, David Umahi, has stepped in to address emerging tensions among political stakeholders in Ebonyi Central, calling for unity, restraint, and alignment with the leadership of the state ahead of the next election cycle.

In a statement signed on Sunday by Francis Nwaze, FIPMD Senior Special Assistant to the Honourable Minister of Works (Media) Reveals that Minister’s intervention followed a viral video from April 24, 2026, which captured a misunderstanding between the Senator representing Ebonyi Central, Ken Eze, and a National Assembly aspirant from Ikwo Local Government Area, Chief Christian Asaga Nwali, during the burial of the father of Chief Peter Orogwu (popularly known as BabyOku).

The disagreement, which quickly gained traction online, revolved around succession plans for the senatorial seat.

Concerned about the development, Umahi—who described both men as his political mentees—moved swiftly to restore calm. On April 26, he convened a meeting with the two leaders, aimed at resolving the dispute and reinforcing unity within the political family.

Speaking after the meeting, the minister commended both parties for their maturity and willingness to de-escalate tensions.

He noted that the disagreement stemmed largely from supporters rather than the principals themselves, stressing that such issues should not disrupt the peace of the zone.

Umahi recalled that the issue of zoning had been previously addressed, referencing an understanding reached during the administration of former Governor Martin Elechi, which suggested that the Ebonyi Central senatorial seat would rotate to Ikwo after the current tenure.

However, he emphasized that politics remains dynamic and decisions must reflect present realities and collective interest.

He advised both camps to channel their concerns through the Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Nwifuru, describing him as a leader deserving of respect and central to any resolution process.

According to Umahi, a structured engagement involving the governor and selected leaders from both Ezza and Ikwo communities would provide a fair and lasting solution. He urged each side to present ten representatives to meet with the governor for deliberation.

Shifting focus to the broader political objective, the minister stressed the importance of unity in delivering overwhelming electoral support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He reiterated that the President has been fully adopted in Ebonyi State and described him as the sole candidate for the next election, citing ongoing federal infrastructure projects in the state as justification for continued support.

Umahi stated that all political decisions, including National Assembly positions, must align with the goal of securing at least 95 percent of votes for the President in the state.
He further disclosed that consultations were ongoing to ensure the emergence of consensus candidates for National Assembly positions, in collaboration with the state governor.

The minister also reaffirmed unwavering support for Governor Nwifuru, describing his position as non-negotiable and warning against any political opposition to his leadership.

In their separate remarks, both Senator Ken Eze and Chief Christian Asaga Nwali expressed appreciation for Umahi’s intervention and pledged commitment to peace and unity.

Senator Eze described Umahi as a father figure and called on supporters, particularly on social media, to refrain from inflammatory comments or actions that could deepen divisions.

Similarly, Chief Nwali emphasized the importance of respect for leadership and urged supporters to avoid insults, noting that leadership ultimately comes from God.Both leaders assured that they would work together to maintain peace and unity across Ebonyi State.

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Nigeria at 66: ‘We Must Not Lose Faith in Nigeria’ — FCC Boss Omidiran

Published

14 hours ago

October 1, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Honorable Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has called on Nigerians to use the occasion of the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary to renew their faith in Nigeria, strengthen national unity and recommit themselves to building a more inclusive and prosperous country.

In her 66th Independence Day message, Hon. Omidiran described October 1 as more than a celebration of freedom, saying the anniversary provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey, acknowledge its progress and challenges, and renew the collective determination to build a nation where every citizen has a sense of belonging.

According to the FCC Executive Chairman, the Federal Character Principle remains particularly important to the quest for national cohesion because equitable representation promotes a sense of ownership and confidence in the Nigerian project.

“Nigeria is a nation of great diversity and
enormous potential. Our responsibility is to ensure that this diversity becomes a bridge that connects us rather than a barrier that separates us. Every Nigerian deserves to feel that he or she belongs to this country and has a role to play in its development,” Omidiran said.

The FCC boss called on government institutions at all levels to remain committed to fairness, equity, accountability and inclusive governance, while urging citizens to support efforts aimed at strengthening national institutions and promoting peaceful coexistence.

“We must not lose faith in Nigeria. The challenges before us are real, but so are the opportunities and the enormous human and natural resources available to us. Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute his or her own quota to building the Nigeria we desire,” she stated.

The FCC Executive Chairman also urged young Nigerians to remain committed to acquiring knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, sports and other productive ventures, describing the youth as critical stakeholders in the country’s future.

“As we celebrate 66 years of independence, let us remember that the Nigeria we want cannot be built by government alone. It requires the commitment of all of us – leaders and citizens, young and old, from every part of the federation. Together, we can build a Nigeria where justice, fairness, opportunity and peace are available to all,” she said.

Omidiran reaffirmed the FCC’s commitment to the effective discharge of its constitutional mandate and to supporting efforts that promote equitable representation and inclusive national development across the federation.

The former lawmaker wished Nigerians at home and abroad a peaceful and memorable 66th Independence Anniversary, praying for continued peace, stability, prosperity and progress for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Our differences should never be greater than our common identity as Nigerians. Let us continue to choose unity over division, service over self-interest and hope over despair. The Nigeria of our dreams is possible if we all play our part,” Omidiran said.

“On behalf of the Federal Character Commission, I congratulate all Nigerians on this 66th Independence Anniversary. May this occasion renew our patriotism, strengthen our unity and inspire us to work together for a stronger, more equitable and prosperous Nigeria. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she added.

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