By Roland Ike
Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State and his predecessor in office, Chief David Umahi on Saturday joined hundreds of mourners to bury their “destiny helper”, Chief Joseph Onwe, who died at 70.
It will be recalled that Onwe was the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman in 2014 when Umahi as deputy governor sought to become governor against the wish of the then Governor, Chief Martin Elechi.
Nwifuru who was then member of the State House of Assembly joined forces with Umahi to dismantle Elechi’s structure in the party and subsequently emerged as Speaker on winning re-election.
Nwifuru, while eulogizing Onwe at the burial in Ntezi, Ishielu Local Government Area of the state, noted that his contributions towards their eventual victory in the 2015 general elections, cannot be quantified.
“That is why I decided to attend the burial despite the fact that Onwe declined to join us to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“He was a man of impeccable character who stood by us through thick and thin.”
Nwifuru noted that he had worked with Onwe in the PDP State Chapter in 2008 and enjoyed a father and son relationship with him.
“The Minister, Umahi was the Chairman of party, Onwe was the Deputy Chairman and he signed all our proposals whenever Umahi travelled.
“That is why I laugh at people who gossip over my relationship with Umahi because they did not know when and how it started.
“Anyone among us speaking ill of Umahi should ask himself if he could have been what he is presently without the Minister.”
The Governor chided Onwe’s children for betraying the group after being given appointments when Umahi was the governor.
“You all jointly betrayed us and should therefore, jointly discuss on whom to present for appointment as a senior special assistant to the governor.
“I feel sad that there is no duplex inside Onwe’s compound. We will construct one in his honour and also offer the family N20m”.
Umahi in his remarks, described Onwe as one of his “destiny helpers’ who played significant roles in his emergence as the state governor.
“When we left the PDP for the APC, he didn’t join us and we always wanted to reward him on remembering what he did for us.
“I thank the governor- my son for appreciating all Onwe did for us with his presence at this burial.
“This is an example of gratitude to be emulated by all as politics is not everything.”
Umahi announced that he had forgiven Onwe’s children who “betrayed” his administration, noting that Onwe’s indelible sacrifices for his sake surpass all wrongdoing.
Chief Ali Odefa, the PDP National Vice Chairman, South East thanked the governor and minister for their presence, noting that it showed they “remembered the past”.
Odefa recounted their ‘tortuous’ journey to make Umahi the state governor while highlighting the significant roles Onwe played.
Dignitaries from various political divides among others, attended the burial.
