Jonathan Nwokpor
Ebonyi State leaders, including Governor Francis Nwifuru, former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim, and former governors Sam Egwu, David Umahi, and Martin Elechi, appear to have reconciled their disagreements after years of loggerheads.
Before Tuesday, when they all came to Abakaliki to honor former governor Elechi’s 83rd birthday, the leaders had yet to be seen together at public events.
Ebonyi State Government arranged Elechi’s birthday party.
The Christian Ecumenical Centre hosted the event, which drew notables from close and far.
Elechi was praised as a leading, tenacious, and unwavering founding father who fought for the state’s current unity by former Secretary to Government of the Federation Anyim, who served as the event’s chair.
“it is true that Chief Elechi was the Governor of Ebonyi State but I tell you, that was just a calling to fill a vacuum which he accepted in his usual willingness to make the utmost sacrifice for Ebonyi people,” Anyim said.
Elechi, according to Sam Egwu, a former governor of the state and minister of education, led the state with excellent leadership and made significant contributions to its growth.
“Your dedication and tireless effort in spearheading the struggle for the creation of the state has left an indelible mark on the history of our beloved state.
“Your resilience in the struggle for the creation of Ebonyi State served as an inspiration to countless individuals, myself included.
“At the end of my tenure as the first democratically elected governor of the state, I felt naturally happy to transmit the administration of the new state to you who spearheaded the struggle of the state creation.
“As a governor, you demonstrated exemplary leadership and made significant contributions to the development of our state,” Egwu said, pouring encomiums on Elechi.
In turn, Elechi’s successor and Minister of Works, Umahi, characterized Elechi as a seasoned administrator who taught him insights into governance administration.
Governor Nwifuru stated in his speech that there was every cause for the state to celebrate Elechi.
For his leadership style and commitment to the state’s development, Nwifuru commended the former governor.
According to him, Elechi is regarded as one of the most esteemed elders in the state, Igbo territory, and the country.
“Chief Elechi no doubt remains one of our respected elder statesmen in Ebonyi State who continues to offer rare insights and counsel on how best to organise our state, with the benefits of hindsight, for effective governance.
“I have benefited immensely from Chief Elechi’s knowledge and perspectives on a wide range of issues as they affect our state. As an astute politician, he has been part of every political epoch in our state.
“Beyond his sage contributions to our development and political evolution over the decades, the most enduring aspect of his enviable life is his forthrightness, integrity, reliability and spartan life.”
In his remarks, Elechi praised Nwifuru for planning the event in his honor and called it the greatest present he had ever received.
He declared, “The governor has begun a new chapter in governance,” and pledged to continue to support his administration.
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