Rep. Sylvester Ogbaga says Gov. David Umahi of Ebonyi still remains the leader and friend of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, his defection to the All Progressives Party (APC) notwithstanding.
Ogbaga, who represents Abakaliki/Izzi Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, made the pronouncement at Isu, Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi, on Sunday.
The lawmaker said this, while interacting with newsmen on the sidelines of the distribution of items to indigent people by Ebele and Anyi Chuks Foundation.
Ogbaga, a fourth-term member of the House of Representatives, said that although Umahi had joined APC, he rose to political stardom on the platform of PDP.
“We have no two governors in Ebonyi, and we expect him, as our leader, to address the threats to PDP members and the general insecurity in the state.
“It is still surprising that Umahi, who remains our friend and brother, joined APC when we were expecting the party to meet the expectations of Nigerians,” he said.
Ogbaga called on the governor to address the human resources aspect of his administration’s policy and arrest the present situation in the state.
“We call on our very friendly governor, who has constructed lots of concrete roads and flyovers, among others, to pay special attention to the ‘stomach infrastructure’.
“We also call on the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government to address the issue of insecurity in the country.
“This is because farmers are adversely affected by this development and if not checked, we may be drifting toward a food crisis,” he said.
Ogbaga commended the founder of the foundation, Dr Ifeanyichukwu Odii, for his massive empowerment of the people and called on other affluent Nigerians to emulate him.
“People like Odii deserve to be given national awards because they have assisted the needy in the society, without holding governmental or political positions,” he said.
