TheCable

David Umahi, governor of Ebonyi state, says the kind of politics being practised in Nigeria will one day fail us.

Speaking when he featured on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme, on Thursday, Umahi said the trend of venturing into politics without another means of livelihood is not sustainable.

The Ebonyi governor noted that he is “developing and engaging” residents of his state to see beyond the gains in politics.

“I can say we have a lot of activities. In our state, it is only a lazy person who does not like to work that will complain of hunger in my state,” he said.

“Everywhere you turn to, you have a construction site. Our people are doing this, by doing so, I’m also developing our people to have a second address, not just politics, because this politics in this country will one day fail us.”

Asked if he still holds the view that bandits should be negotiated with, in the wake of the stance of Olusegun Obasanjo, former president, the governor said he was a “bit misquoted” over his comments on the matter.

He said: “I think I was a bit misquoted. The youths have their grievances. They have their reasons for going into crimes. I do not advocate for anybody to go into crime. You see, hunger breeds anger and anger breeds bitterness.

“I see young men and women that are very bitter with the system and so what I advocate in my state. I have done #EndSARS conference, I’m seeking to empower a number of the youths.

“I’m advocating that these youths that are not happy and taken into arms. I want them to come out. I want them to surrender their arms. I want to discuss with them and I would like to integrate them into society and their families.”