Traditional rulers in Ebonyi state numbering 140 yesterday endorsed the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari in the February 16th Presidential elections in the country.
The Monarchs made this known through their Chairman, Eze Charles Mkpuma, at the exco-chambers, government house Abakaliki during a courtesy visit by president Buhari.
Mkpuma noted that the endorsement of Buhari’s return was born out of the robust relationship he has with the governor, David Umahi.
He commended Buhari’s determination to tackle the security situation in the country with the aim of eliminating Boko Haram and fight against corruption, saying Buhari was deserving of their votes irrespective of party differences.
The monarch said, “We appreciate your dogged determination to maintain utmost security of the country especially your effort in eliminating Boko Haram and the fight against corruption which has brought respect and integrity to the country among committee of nations.
“We believe that your robust relationship with our son, the governor and your love for him and the state will surely earn you and only you, votes in Ebonyi state irrespective of party differences.”
Mkpuma, stated that the traditional rulers are happy with the leadership of the governor, David Umahi, who has virtually touched every facet of human and infrastructural development of the state, adding that, ”we the traditional rulers like other residents of the state have been rejuvenated and revived by the governor.”
The monarchs presented 1,000 yams and 1,000 bags of rice for Buhari’s breakfast and lunch respectively.
In a remark, Umahi, told Buhari that he had not received up to 40 per cent of the funds spent on federal projects in the state, but Buhari assured him the monies will be refunded once the audit committee headed by the minister of power, works and housing, Babatunde Fashola, conclude its work.
The governor noted further that irrespective of some perceptions, the South-East have benefited from federal government projects.
He added that the federal government’s agricultural programme has benefited the state immensely which has resulted in mountain of rice. He noted that the state has a comparative advantage in agriculture and solid minerals.
According to him, “But subsequently we got drunk with oil money and abandoned what kept us intact. But we are going back to that (agriculture),” he said.
Responding, President Buhari commended the governor for the infrastructural development in the state, assuring that monies spent on the completion of the federal projects will be refunded.
He commended Umahi’s administration’s generosity in sending Ebonyi rice to Abuja which his extended family has been beneficiaries.
The President assured the monarchs that the south east will benefit from the second Niger Bridge when completed and it will affect you positively in moving goods and services.
He assured them that his second return will be of benefit to them as he will not be seeking a third return.
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