The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has intervened in a growing political disagreement in Ebonyi Central Senatorial District, calling on stakeholders to embrace unity, restraint and structured dialogue ahead of the next election cycle.
The intervention followed a viral video showing a misunderstanding between the senator representing Ebonyi Central, Ken Eze, and a National Assembly aspirant from Ikwo Local Government Area, Christian Nwali, during a burial ceremony in Ebonyi State.
The incident, which circulated widely on social media, was linked to succession politics ahead of the end of Eze’s tenure, triggering concerns over zoning arrangements and internal cohesion within the district.
In a statement issued by his media aide, Francis Nwaze, Umahi said he convened an emergency reconciliation meeting on April 26 with both parties, describing the development as unnecessary and preventable.
Speaking during the meeting, the minister appealed for calm and mutual respect among stakeholders.
“I want to thank you people highly for this show of respect coming from you concerning what ordinarily should not be a problem,” Umahi said.
He added that both individuals were close associates whose supporters had worsened tensions.
“Senator Ken Eze is my product, C Sagas is my product, but they are having some issues, not directly but their boys are causing some problems for a matter that doesn’t lie in their hands,” he said.
Umahi recalled that there had been an earlier zoning understanding regarding the senatorial seat.
“Firstly, the central senatorial seat had an agreement that after the present four-year term, it will go to Ikwo. Of course, he can say he is contesting,” he stated.
He, however, cautioned that political ambition must be guided by consultation and discipline, stressing that only structured engagement could prevent escalation.
“Now, politics is dynamic, life is dynamic. Life is very very simple. I have advised them, first to maintain peace. It is the right of everyone to contest but the decision is beyond them,” he said.
The minister urged both camps to engage the state governor, Francis Nwifuru, and selected leaders from Ezza and Ikwo for mediation.
“I have advised them that we have a governor in the state. He is a man of great quality. He must be accorded his own respect.
“Gather 10 leaders from Ezza and Ikwo respectively and go and meet the governor. Only these two leaders have the capacity to resolve it,” he said.
He further linked the need for unity in the state to broader political alignment, reaffirming support for President Bola Tinubu ahead of 2027.
“They are one people and we wouldn’t allow anything to divide them. The president is fully and totally adopted in Ebonyi State,” he said.
Umahi added that the state would deliver strong electoral support for the president.
“We give President Tinubu 95 per cent vote. Our vote is not for any clannish candidate. Our vote remains for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he declared.
He also hinted at ongoing efforts to ensure consensus candidates emerge for National Assembly positions in line with the state leadership’s political direction.
“It is a very strategic move we are going to be making and I will be working closely with the governor to ensure that we carry the people along,” he said.
Responding, Eze thanked the minister for stepping in and urged supporters to avoid inflammatory comments.
“You’re a good father. We came to you as your children to intervene and we’re proud of you.
“Please don’t fight on social media. If you write against any leader, you are not writing for me,” he added.
Similarly, Nwali appealed for calm and respect.
“We are all your subjects. It is only God that enthrones a leader. Please no insults to our leaders,” he said.