Segun Akanni, Toronto, Canada 
As political maneuvering for the seat of the speaker of House of Representatives for the 9th National Assembly heightens, Femi Gbajabiamila, on Tuesday stormed Ebonyi State to seek the blessing and support of Governor David Umahi.
Gbajabiamila, the House Leader and one of the major contenders for the position, visited Government House, Abakaliki with over 103-member supporters from the Green Chamber.
Addressing the Governor and the crowd of political stalwarts in the State, including National Assembly members from the State who were on ground to receive him, Gbajabiamila explained that he would utilise his many years experience in the Assembly to forge a more united and progressive Nigeria.
Gbajabiamilla said: “Your Excellency, I am here just as the DG said to ask for your support and your blessing.
“It is one thing to support and another thing to bless.
“The support will not be sufficient without your blessing.
“Let me say without any equivocation that myself and my Deputy Leader, Idris Wase, have got the wealth of experience that is not surpassed by anybody else contrasting for the position.”
Gbajabiamila stressed that he was gunning for the leadership of the legislative arm of government to make the country a better place, adding that he would traverse party lines to engineer the unity and prosperity of the country.
The current House Leader, who represents Surulere Federal Constituency of Lagos State, called on Umahi to employ his position as the leader of South East Governor Forum to galvanise support for him from the zone, promising to accord the zone its fair due in the 9th Assembly, if elected.
He extolled the calibre of Ebonyi State representatives in the Green Chamber, describing them as unique and full of integrity.
Responding, Governor Umahi described Gbajabiamila as a young, vibrant and intelligent politician who was well qualified for the post.
He noted that Ebonyi State was always united in decision and urged the contestant to forge ahead in his ambition devoid of fear, adding: “If you win, you reign and if you fail, you learn.”
Pledging his support, the Governor further tasked Gbajabiamilla to carry Ebonyi State in particular and the South East in general along in the scheme of things if elected.
He regretted that the zone has always been marginalised in appointments to juicy positions in the National Assembly.
Umahi seized the opportunity to convey his gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari for commencement of work on the second Niger Bridge, saying: “It is now no longer political talk….”
He also appreciated the President and the National Assembly for the approval recently given for an international loan to enable Ebonyi State construct its over 198km Abakaliki Ring Road.
Earlier, the Director-General of Gbajabiamilla’s campaign train, Abdulmumin Jibrin, stated that the contingent to the State was the largest any aspirant had ever recorded, adding: “Large enough to constitute a session at the House of Representatives.”
Jibrin noted that their mission was to seek support to build a bridge that would stand the taste of time.
He said: “Your Excellency, we know your strength, we know your commitment to this country
“We know your love for the principle of interpparty relationship for the overall benefit of the citizens.
“Your Excellency, it is in consideration of that, that we have come with the largest delegation, to come and plead with you and request your support and assistance, not only from your members from Ebonyi State, irrespective of party, but from every single State where you can stretch your goodwill and influence to help us in achieving this objective.
