President Muhammadu Buhari Wednesday eulogised the former Minister of Petroleum Resources, late Professor Tam David-West, describing him as an incorruptible Nigerian.
Represented by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Mr Femi Adesina, at a commendation service held at the Chapel of Resurrection, University of Ibadan, President Buhari described the late minister as an incorruptible Nigerian and freedom fighter.
Buhari stressed that the late Prof David West had a special relationship with him right from the time he served as the Petroleum Minister in 1984.
He maintained that he and Prof David-West shared integrity, incorruptibility and accountability in common.
He explained that the late David-West had a lot of commitment in getting him (Buhari) back to power and even continued his writings even after his emergence president.
“When Buhari regime was overthrown, he waded in crusade in order to get Buhari back to power as a democratically elected leader,” the statement said.
The statement added that late Prof David-West through his writing last year November still defended the president against the tag of religious bigotry and the president was so impressed that he decided to write an appreciation letter back to him which he (Adesina) personally delivered to David-West.
“Prof. David West was very close to us, he knew me through my writings, he was such a man who was passionate about everything he believed in.”
Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo state, while speaking, described the late Prof David-West as a courageous nationalist and a freedom fighter, who believed in course of Nigeria.
The governor added that the late former minister was a democrat, an idealist and a principle man, who doesn’t tolerate corruption and always speaks his mind.
Chaplain of the Chapel of Resurrection ,Very Rev Olufikayo Oyelade in his sermon tagged “Finishing Strong” said late Prof David West did not only finish well but also finished strong, saying, David-West played notable and important role on the life of the University of Ibadan and Nigeria at large.
Describing him as brilliant, bold and courageous during his life time”, the Very Rev Oyelade said, “he was a Christian that enjoyed being alone with God, we gathered here in honour of a national giant.”
