Abiodun Onafuye/Abeokuta

Governor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi state,eastern Nigeria has described President Muhammad Buhari as a forthright leader, who has displayed good attribute in governance since assumption of office about six weeks ago.

The governor, who was in Abeokuta, at the Hilltop residence of the former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo today also eulogised Obasanjo for using his wisdom in piloting the affairs of the nation.

•Dave Umahi: Ebonyi state governor

“After election, politics should be played down and then the welfare of the people, rebuilding the nation should be in the front burner and that has been what you’ve been preaching sir. And we are very grateful.

“We see a great nation in Nigeria. And I use this opportunity to thank Mr. President sir and to say one of the greatest things that will move this nation forward is forthrightness and Mr. President has displayed that”,the governor said.

He hinted that the approach of President Muhammed Buhari to governance has been pleasing, revealing that, “in our meetings, every governor is very pleased with him. It’s not a question of being in this party or being in the other party. He displays rare sense of humility, honesty and the willingness to carry this country forward.

“And that is what we are looking for. We are not interested in which party or the other party. We are interested in the man who has the welfare and the interest of the nation at heart”,Umahi declared.

Umahi also commended the effort of the President in making the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) more accountable.

He reminded the former President Obasanjo of his discussion with him sometimes and his reaction then showed that you are not pleased with the situation.

According to him, ” With President Muhammed Buhari’s directive to stop many accounts of NNPC, I’m sure you are gladdened, because I had discussed that with you and you complained bitterly about the way NNPC was being run; when they keep more money than what they give the federal government.

“So, we thank you and I want to say sir, that you continue to support Mr. President and I’m very sure with you sir by his side, he is going to deliver in his promises. We are grateful to you sir and we pray that God will continue to sustain you and give you wisdom.

“It is amazing sir, because you are a great man that is full of wisdom. I know the hands of God are so much about you and you are an acclaimed leader all over the world. God has kept you for us and will continue to sustain you,” the governor prayed while Baba Obasanjo was watching and smiling.

Obasanjo,who described his guest as his son-in-law, expressed gratitude for the role played by the governor during a wedding ceremony involving one of his sons.

Obasanjo thanked the governor for visiting him and concluded: “I really appreciate this honour and of course, I would only end like Idi Amin, since you have been so kind to pay me and all of us here with this courtesy visit, I will have to retaliate by making sure that I come to Ebonyi in not too distant future”.