The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has recounted how the late former president Muhammadu Buhari intervened when some forces tried to stop Francis Nwifuru’s emergence as governor of Ebonyi State.
According to him, Buhari’s decisive backing protected the people’s political will and demonstrated his deep sense of justice and fairness, even in the face of internal party politics.
He described the intervention as a defining moment in his political journey.
Umahi, while signing the condolence register at the Federal Ministry of Works headquarters in Mabushi, Abuja, praised the deceased for his commitment to Nigeria’s unity and progress.
He also recounted personal memories and political milestones made possible through Buhari’s support.
“I can’t forget even when the enemies of progress wanted to thwart the emergence of my present Governor. He (Buhari) stepped in, called the national chairman of our party, and gave him an order that it has to be the present Governor,” Umahi said in an emotion-laden tribute.
Reflecting on their longstanding relationship, Umahi shared that Buhari was fond of Abakaliki rice, a gesture that fostered warmth between them beyond official duties.
“The last time I spoke with him was during the salah before this last one. While he was in office, I was always, as a governor, giving him Abakaliki rice, and he loved it so much.
“So, I continued to do that. And so when I sent that Abakaliki rice to him, he called me, and he was pleased, and he said I’m not missing Abakaliki rice even when I am out of the office”, Umahi said.
He recounted Buhari’s tireless commitment to governance, recalling a day the former President commissioned projects across Ebonyi State from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
The minister said, “While escorting him to his room that night, he said, ‘Governor,’ and I answered. He said, ‘You know how to punish somebody very, very well,’ and I replied, ‘You signed for it, sir.’’
Umahi also recalled how the state named its airport after Buhari, but in humility, the former President renamed it in honour of the late Senator Chuba Okadigbo before leaving office.
“That’s how selfless the man was,” Umahi noted.
He credited Buhari for extending substantial support to Ebonyi State and other governors through interventions like the Paris Club refunds and the Anchor Borrowers Programme.
The minister, however, praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for honouring Buhari in both life and death.
“Regardless of what people with dark counsel without knowledge may say, President Buhari himself acknowledged during Tinubu’s second anniversary that it was Tinubu who helped him actualise his destiny to become President.”
Umahi described Buhari’s death as a great national loss and prayed for God’s fortitude for his family, President Tinubu, and all Nigerians.
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