Chief Dave Umahi, the Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State is one  of those contending to succeed his principal, Chief Martin Elechi. In this interview he reviews his assessment of the race, his relationship with the governor and affirms that the cordiality he enjoys with Elechi will not derail despite the permutations of the forces of darkness. Excerpts:
By Peter Okutu

HOW can you describe your relationship with Governor Martin Elechi?
It is that of friendliness and mutual understanding ever since Chief Martin Elechi came into being as the Governor of Ebonyi state 2007.

Ever since then, I have been admiring his wisdom. I cherish his wisdom, experience and forthrightness in the handling of state affairs. Suffice to say that fate brought us together.

Dave Umahi

I think the score card he gave to me as a party chairman was A-plus and it is something I must cherish all through my life. For such a man to say to you, you have done well; and again for such a man to ask you to be his deputy is the height of honour and that’s the way I look at it.

So far, the relationship has been very wonderful. Yes, but we are not unmindful of the devices of darkness that want to manipulate this existing cordial relationship.
I know people have been working hard to tarnish my image and also to cause problems between us. But the governor is a child of God.

The secret of the governor as a man who has built a house for God is he has brought the hands of God upon him and his administration. When you see a man who has the hand of God on him, nobody would be able defeat him in the battle of life.

As the former PDP Chairman, what would you advise all those who want to run for governorship come 2015 in the state?
My advice would be in line with what former Governor Sam Egwu said; he said we should have God-factor in our political dealings. I believe you are not supposed to run down another person to sell your own credentials. Because if you do, that also become part of your credentials in the sphere of life.

The fitness of another candidate does not add to your credentials. When you meet people tell them what you can do for the state; tell them what you have done so far with the positions you held before seeking another one. These and many more are the indices to measure a man’s love for his people. Not to start running down another person.

At the end of the day, it is only one person and that person is the person God has ordained. My advice is let us pay the game of politics with the fear of God because leadership is in the hand of God and He gives it to whoever he wills.

Do you envisage the prospect of an ugly relationship with Governor Elechi?
It is a very dangerous thing. And again, the man has been a blessing to me. He has respected me so much and made the office of the Deputy Governor to be strong and relevant. I don’t see me having any problem with him because my heart is pure before him and before God. The important thing is that let not any of the rumours be the truth.

I am a child of destiny. And there is nothing anybody can do about it because the just shall live by faith. So sometimes, you want to destroy me because you want to rise but you can never truncate my destiny.

My destiny is on course because I am a child of destiny. And there is nothing anybody can do about it. The place God wants me to get to, I must get to the place but I must continue to be loyal to the Governor and continue to have him and everything associated with him. The rest is in the hands of God but I don’t foresee any disagreement. I don’t foresee any misunderstanding because I am praying very hard that the truth will stand.

You have been a PDP Chairman in the state, how do you assess the performance of the present chairman?
I think the present Chairman has done more than I did when I was the PDP Chairman. I am impressed by the show of maturity displayed by the State Working Committee under the leadership of Prince Ugorji Ama-Oti. Losing and winning a seat is not the job of the party.

PDP lost those seats because we had crisis and don’t forget we lost those seats at the time I was pulling out. It is not entirely under the present leadership. So you can call it 50-50.