The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, on Thursday, July 17, 2025, signed the condolence register in honour of late Former President Muhammadu Buhari at the Ministry of Works Headquarters in Abuja.
Speaking with deep emotion, Umahi reflected on Buhari’s life and legacy: “I personally believed that such a man with so much discipline, integrity, honesty, and selfless service to humanity would live up to 100 years.”
He recalled his personal bond with the late President, sharing how Buhari cherished the famous Abakaliki rice: “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 had continued to do that. And so when I sent that Abakaliki rice to him, he called me, and he was very happy, and he said I’m not missing Abakaliki rice even when I am out of the office.”
Umahi spoke passionately about Buhari’s support for Ebonyi State: “He helped Ebonyi State very highly. He supported us. I can’t forget, even when the enemies of progress wanted to thwart the emergence of my present Governor, he stepped in and called the national chairman of our party, and gave him an order that it has to be the present Governor.”
Remembering Buhari’s humour and dedication during a visit to Ebonyi, Umahi said: “I remember how he came to Ebonyi State, and from 9 o’clock in the morning, he was commissioning projects till 10 p.m. While I was escorting him to his room, he said, Governor… and I answered. You know how to punish somebody very, very well. And I said to him, you signed for it, sir. You know he is a very humorous person.”
He also spoke about Buhari’s selflessness: “I also remember when we built the airport, and then we named the airport after him, and then, before the exit of his office, he renamed it after the late Senator Chuba Okadigbo. That’s how selfless the man was.”
Reflecting on his years as governor, Umahi added: “I would almost say that I was the most beloved governor during his time. There’s nothing I sought from him that he didn’t give us. And collectively, as governors, he helped us so much. Is it the Paris Club fund, Is it the Anchor borrowers fund and other interventions.”
Umahi concluded with heartfelt words for the nation: “We miss him so badly, and the nation will miss him. And I thank very highly the President of Nigeria, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR. Irrespective of what people darkening council without knowledge may say, the former President Muhammadu Buhari acknowledged during the celebration of the second year in office of President Bola Tinubu, that the man helped him to actualise his destiny to be the President of Nigeria.”
He prayed that the soul of Former President Muhammadu Buhari rest in peace.
