NAN-H-86
Meeting
By Chukwuemeka Opara
Abakaliki, Nov.7, 2016 (NAN) Political gladiators in Ebonyi, who included Gov. David Umahi and his predecessor, Chief Martin Elechi, met on Monday in Abakaliki to broker peace.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the relationship between the duo had not being cordial since the 2015 general elections when Umahi emerged governor against the wishes of his former boss, Elechi.
Monday’s meeting was the second since Umahi assumed office.
The first meeting, held in June 2015, failed to yield fruits as the feud between the two political heavy weights persisted.
Monday’s meeting which was convened by the Catholic Bishop of Abakaliki, Michael Okoro saw politicians from both camps engaging in peace talks which lasted for four hours.
Present at the meeting, held behind closed doors were: Umahi, Elechi and Chief Edward Nkwegu, Labour Party candidate during the 2015 elections who Elechi supported.
Serving senators, members of the House of Representatives, members of the state House of Assembly, Commissioners, among others in Gov. Umahi’s camp attended the meeting.
Past political office holders, founding fathers of the state and other prominent politicians in Elechi’s camp also attended the meeting held at the Catholic Pastoral Centre, Abakaliki.
At the end of the meeting, the feuding parties were seen exchanging pleasantries.
When approached by newsmen, the participants refused to comment on the outcome of the meeting.
When pressed for his comments, Gov. Umahi said, “there is no problem, we have made peace.”
However an aide to former Gov. Elechi, who spoke under condition of anonymity, said that talks were still in process to broker lasting peace deal. (NAN)
RCO/AEA
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Edited by Archibong Asuquo