The governorship primaries may have been over but the memories and sad consequence are still very much alive in Ebonyi state where the governor, Martin Elechi had become a political outcast in the party that brought him to power about eight years ago.
From Paul Ibe, Enugu
Ebonyi state Governor, chief Martin Elechi, on friday received the embarrassment and humiliation of his life, as chieftains of the PDP from the state, refused him from speaking during President Goodluck Jonathan’s campaign rally in Abakaliki.
He was sidelined throughout the event, even as the master of ceremony could not recognise his presence as allegedly directed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Pius Anyim.
The governor, was listed on item 9 of the official programme of the event to speak, but was not called upon to do so throughout the event.
When it was time for Elechi, to address the gathering, the National Chairman of PDP, Adamu Muazu, rather, called up the Deputy Governor of the state, Dave Umahi, who is also the Party’s gubernatorial candidate for the forthcoming general polls, and handed over the flag of the party to him.
Unhappy with the treatment meted on Elechi, who was also booed by some people strategically
positioned at the Abakaliki Stadium, the immediate past Governor of the State, Dr. Sam Egwu, rose in his defense, saying the refusal to accord the incumbent number one citizen of the state, recognition was wrong.
Egwu said; “We have a leader in this state and why Ebonyi is one is that they are peaceful people, they are people that respect culture,
they are people that respect authority, they are people that when their leaders speak, they hear him”.
“I want to ask you please, no matter
your personal grievances, we have a governor that is in charge of the
state, he is our governor and you must as a matter of principle and
authority respect him.
“Forget whatever are your personal grievances,
the governor is the governor of this state and he is our governor and
you must give him all the respect he deserves.
“I want to believe that those who respect their elders, those who know
what power is must hear this and respect our leaders; if you are somebody who has personal grievances, take it outside this place, we have Nigerians before us here, we have the president of the country
before us here, so please I plead with you,”
Despite the plea, Gov. Elechi left the venue without addressing the crowd.
