By Ewa Innocent, The Sight News
ABAKALIKI—President Muhammadu Buhari, has commended Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi state for the infrastructural development in the state.
This is just as he assured that the monies spent on federal projects will be refunded after the review committee would have audited the projects.
Buhari gave the commendation during his campaign tour in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital.
According to the President, Governor Umahi had told him during their short drive to the government House, that he has not received up to 40 percent of fund spent on federal projects in the state, but the President assured Umahi, that the money will be refunded once the audit committee headed by the minister of power, works and housing, Babatunde Fashola, concluded his work.
President Buhari, who during the occasion was endorsed by the Ebonyi State Traditional rulers Council, told the Royal fathers that his second tenure will be of immense benefit to them and other Nigerians, assuring that the South East will benefit from the second Niger Bridge when completed as it would enhance the free movement of goods and services.
He also told the monarchs that the agricultural policy of his administration was deliberate, recalling that the First Republic was good in agriculture which was the main stay of the economy before the oil boom, and charged them to embrace agriculture.
The president commended Governor Umahi, for his agricultural drives in the state, which according to him has scaled up food production in the country, stressing that Umahi’s generosity in sending Ebonyi Rice to Abuja, which has been extended to his family was quite remarkable.
In his remark, the governor of Ebonyi state Engr. David Umahi, said, irrespective of some perceptions, the South East zone have benefited from federal government projects.
He added that the federal government programme have benefited the state immensely as it has resulted in the large scale rice production in the state, noting that the state has comparative advantage in agriculture and solid minerals.
The governor thanked the President for approving the commencement of Ebonyi salt production.
Earlier, the Chairman of Ebonyi state traditional rulers council, Eze Charles Mkpuma, had explained that the endorsement of Buhari by traditional rulers was borne out of the robust relationship he has with the Governor of Ebonyi state, Engr. David Umahi.
Mkpuma commended Buhari’s determination to tackle the insecurity situation in the country,which aimed at eliminating Boko Haram and fight corruption in the country.
His word,”We appreciate your dogged determination to maintain utmost security of the country, especially, your efforts 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 votes in Ebonyi state, irrespective of Party affiliations”, he ended
