Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, has recalled heartfelt memories of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, revealing his fondness for Abakaliki rice and highlighting his selfless leadership and unwavering support for Ebonyi State.
Speaking on Thursday while signing the condolence register at the Ministry of Works headquarters in Abuja, Umahi said he had always admired Buhari’s sense of humour, fairness, and dedication to national progress.
According to his Special Adviser on Media, Orji Uchenna Orji, the minister recalled cherished moments with the former president.
“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. When I sent that Abakaliki rice to him, he called me, and he was very happy. He said ‘I’m not missing Abakaliki rice even when I am out of the office’.”
Umahi reflected on Buhari’s personal involvement in political developments in Ebonyi State and his timely intervention when internal party disputes threatened the emergence of the current governor.
“He (Buhari) 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.”
The minister also recalled Buhari’s visit to Ebonyi, where the president spent the entire day commissioning projects.
“I remember how he came to Ebonyi State, and from 9 o’clock in the morning, he was commissioning projects till 10p.m. While I was escorting him to his room, he said, ‘Governor, you know how to punish somebody very, very well’. And I said to him, you signed for it, sir.”
He praised Buhari’s humility, recalling how the president allowed the renaming of an airport previously named in his honour.
“You know he is a very humorous person. I also remember when we built the airport, and then we named the airport after him. Before his exit from office, he renamed it after the late Senator Chuba Okadigbo. That’s how selfless the man was.”
Umahi concluded by describing Buhari as a president who never withheld support from governors and always prioritized national development.
“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?”
