Former Deputy Governor of old Imo state, Dr Francis Orji, has commended Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State for his giant strides while challenging others across the federation to emulate from him.

Orji made the recommendation on Friday when Umahi paid him a Christmas homage at his residence in Owutu Edda, Afikpo South Local Government Area of the state.

Umahi appreciated the former Deputy Governor on his effort and contributions to the creation of Ebonyi State.

He said: “I am happy that we still have people like you in our midst.

“We will continue to appreciate our elder statesmen especially those who made special mark in the history of our dear state. I thank you also for your support in my administration.

“I have seen the Amasiri-Amangwu-Ekoli Road, we have gone far on its construction and we will continue. We will continue to construct many more roads as I have maintained that I will make Afikpo the second city after Abakaliki in Ebonyi State.

“We have come to say thank you in this yuletide.”

In response, Orji commended Umahi, urging other governors to come for tutorial on good governance under Umahi.

“No state can be compared with Ebonyi in Nigeria in terms of speed of transformation and quick development. No person in Ebonyi state and Nigeria doesn’t recognise the good works you are doing in Ebonyi.

“We will want other Governors to come for training under Umahi. I will want Umahi to train whosever that will become the next Governor of Ebonyi State to sustain the developments of Ebonyi State which has been laid down without which we will be missing.

“I like the way people talk about you even people that were against you because they have now seen that you are sent by God. I will only ask you for one thing, don’t regard anybody as your Enemy in Ebonyi, you have an assignment by God and you are on it,” he said.