Ebonyi State Governor David Umahi has endorsed the candidacy of all the 24 members of the state House of Assembly for the next legislative election in the state.

Umahi made this known when the legislators and their spouses led by the Speaker, Francis Nwifuru, paid him a Christmas homage at his country home in Uburu.

The Governor, who expressed delight over the cordial relationship that exists between the House and the Executive, which has translated into speedy passage of people-oriented bills, said he would fight for the legislators to retain their positions.

He was quoted in a statement on Tuesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Emma Anya, as saying, "It is very difficult to start a journey with people, like what one of the past leaders did sometime. You started journey with people and at the time of transition, you shift position and drop some, and when you are dropping them, you didn't tell them their next destination.

''That is not a team work. And so, you see 24 of you, you are very dear to my heart. If I were the leader of the PDP at the national level, I would have said automatic tickets for all of you. But that is to say that the leader of PDP in Ebonyi State is already giving it to each and every one of you."

Umahi thanked the legislators for their commitment and dedication to Ebonyi project, assuring that his administration would continue to give them the required attention.

He charged the spouses of the legislators to always pray for their husbands and wives and not to listen to third parties who would like to divide their homes.

The Speaker in his remarks, said the members of the House came to felicitate with the governor, and to thank him for his magnanimity towards them.

•Governor Umahi.