Ebonyi State Governor Dave Umahi yesterday said despite accusations of slowness and others against President Muhammadu Buhari, the 36 governors are well ‘pleased’ with his handling of the country’s affairs.
Umahi, who described Buhari as a ‘forthright leader’ said the President had displayed rare humility and willingness to move the country forward.
The governor spoke in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital when he visited former President Olusegun Obasanjo at his Hilltop Estate home.
Umahi said: “We see a great nation in Nigeria and I use the opportunity to thank Mr. President. I say one of the greatest things that will move this country forward is forthrightness and Mr. President has displayed that.
“All the governors are pleased with him. It’s not a question of being in this party or the other; he displays a rare sense of humility, honesty and the willingness to move this country forward and that is what we want. We are not interested in party politics; we are interested in the man who has the welfare and interest of the nation at heart”.
Umahi, who hailed Obasanjo for always helping to pilot the nation’s affairs, lauded Buhari for taking steps towards restructuring the accounts of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPC).
“I am sure Buhari’s directive to stop many accounts of NNPC gladdened your heart because I discussed that with you and you complained about the way NNPC was being run; when they keep more money than they give the Federal Government.
“We thank you and I plead that you continue to support Mr. President because I’m sure with you by his side, he will deliver on his promises.”
Obasanjo hinted that Umahi was not just the Ebonyi State Chief Executive, but also his in-law.
His words: “You are also my in-law because one of my sons married an Ebonyi lady and when we came for the occasion, you were the one who spearheaded all the arrangement and the reception for us. I thank you for that.