The immediate past governor of Ebonyi state, Dave Umahi, has expressed joy that his successor, Governor Francis Nwifuru, still honours him after leaving office.

He spoke on Saturday, April 20 after being conferred with an honorary doctorate degree by the Ebonyi State University in Abakaliki.

Umahi, who is the current minister of Works, said it was not common to hand over to a successor and still be continually honoured by him.

He said the reason Nwifuru is not trying to prosecute him is due to the handwork of God. The minister commended Governor Nwifuru for sowing the seed of peace in the state and assured that such would be sustained.

He said; “That is the handwork of God and I am grateful to him and the governor. Governors and their predecessors are fighting in many states but in Ebonyi we are always celebrating.

“This is the mercy of God and the wisdom bestowed on the governor. You can see that the state is on steady rise and what I could not finish as David he is doing as Solomon. He is my son in whom I am well pleased,” he said.

Umahi thanked the university for honouring him and others, and pledged to continue contributing to its development.

”I commend the Vice-Chancellor and management for the amazing feats recorded by the institution, we all are proud to have a university with such records.

“The job is easy when you are not the one doing it, and I thank the state governor for his great works in the university. I will consult with my fellow awardees and we would definitely offer huge support to the university,” he said.