The Association of Former All Progressives Congress (APC) State Chairmen has denounced the public insults and derogatory remarks made by celebrity socialite Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, against Minister of Works Senator David Umahi. National Coordinator of the association, Basil Ejidike, described the verbal attacks as unfortunate and misplaced, stressing the need for decorum to be restored in public discourse.
Ejidike, a former Anambra State APC chairman, expressed frustration over the degeneration of public discourse, where respect for elders and constituted authority was often discarded. He warned that individuals should refrain from dragging respectable national figures into needless public spats. According to Ejidike, Cubana Chief Priest's critique lacked substance and was misplaced, given his status as a relatively new figure in the public eye.
The former APC state chairman argued that anyone questioning Senator Umahi's contributions to nation-building and administrative milestones was either ignorant or acting in bad faith. He praised Umahi's achievements as a public servant, citing his infrastructural footprint as a former governor of Ebonyi State and currently as Minister of Works. Ejidike asserted that Umahi was among the most high-performing ministers in President Bola Tinubu's administration.
Ejidike compared Umahi's executive tenure with those of others across the country, offering high praise for the former Ebonyi State governor. He stated that apart from Governor Wike of Rivers State, no past governor had equaled Umahi's achievements in terms of infrastructure provision. Ejidike maintained that Umahi continued to discharge his duties creditably as Minister of Works.
Addressing specific criticisms regarding the South-East region and political succession, Ejidike dismissed arguments that Umahi had shortchanged his home region or that his family members should be barred from political participation. He noted that Senator Umahi served all Nigerians and that the South-East zone had fared better under his current portfolio than under many predecessors.
The Association of Former APC State Chairmen urged calm and an end to the public spat between Umahi and Cubana Chief Priest. They emphasized the need for respect for elders and constituted authority, as well as constructive criticism that was not misplaced or personal.
The call for truce comes amid growing public interest in the spat between the high-profile figures. Senator Umahi has been in the news recently for his achievements as Minister of Works, including the completion of the Abuja-Kaduna highway in 13 months, a feat that took previous administrations eight years to accomplish.
Key points
- Former APC state chairmen condemn Cubana Chief Priest's verbal attacks on Minister of Works Senator David Umahi.
- The association emphasizes the need for decorum in public discourse and respect for elders and constituted authority.
- Senator Umahi praised for his achievements as a public servant, including his infrastructural footprint as a former governor of Ebonyi State and currently as Minister of Works.
