Umahi Honours Buhari: “I Thought he Would Live to 100”

Minister of Works and former Governor of Ebonyi State, David Nweze Umahi, has paid an emotional tribute to the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as a leader of unmatched integrity, humility, and selfless service to the nation.

On Thursday, July 17, 2025, Umahi signed the condolence register at the Ministry of Works Headquarters in Abuja, where he expressed deep sorrow over Buhari’s passing and reflected on their personal and professional relationship.

“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 wrote.

Umahi recalled that their last conversation happened during the Salah celebration before the most recent one. He shared that throughout Buhari’s presidency—and even after—he often sent the former president Abakaliki rice, a gift Buhari loved. “I still remember when I sent Abakaliki rice to him, he personally called me, happy and appreciative, saying: ‘I’m not missing Abakaliki rice even when I am out of the office,’” he said.

He also highlighted Buhari’s significant support to Ebonyi State. Umahi remembered how Buhari intervened personally when political forces tried to stop the emergence of Ebonyi’s current governor. “He personally stepped in, called the national chairman of our party, and ordered that it had to be the present Governor,” he said.

One particularly memorable moment, Umahi recalled, was during Buhari’s official visit to Ebonyi. From 9 a.m. until 10 p.m., the former president was on his feet commissioning projects. “While escorting him to his room that night, he said: ‘Governor…’ and I answered. He smiled and said: ‘You know how to punish somebody very, very well.’ And I replied: ‘You signed for it, sir.’ That was the humour and humility that defined him.”

Another story he shared was about the airport initially named after Buhari. Before leaving office, the former president asked that it be renamed after the late Senator Chuba Okadigbo. “That is who he was—a man who thought less of himself and more of others,” Umahi said.

Reflecting on Buhari’s kindness, he added: “I would almost say that I was the most beloved governor during his time. There was nothing I sought from him that he did not give us.”

He also noted the tremendous collective support Buhari gave to governors across the country—from Paris Club refunds to agricultural and economic programmes. “He supported us tremendously,” Umahi said.

Umahi then praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying Buhari himself acknowledged Tinubu’s role in his rise to power. “Irrespective of what people without knowledge may say, former President Muhammadu Buhari himself acknowledged, during the celebration of President Bola Tinubu’s second year in office, that Tinubu helped him actualise his destiny of becoming President of Nigeria.”

He ended with a solemn reflection: “Today, I honour the memory of a leader, a father, and a statesman. May the soul of Former President Muhammadu Buhari rest in perfect peace.”