Prominent Nigerian leaders have described the departure of former President Muhammadu Buhari as a major loss to the nation and expressed their profound sadness at his passing.
Recalling Buhari’s contribution to Nigeria’s leadership development, former President Olusegun Obasanjo acknowledged his service as a statesman and soldier. When the Katsina-born leader passed away, Obasanjo, who led Nigeria as a military leader from 1976 to 1979 and then as an elected president from 1999 to 2007, pointed out that the country may have profited from his expertise.
The news of Gen. Muhammad Buhari’s passing reached me this afternoon. He was a co-patriot, a colleague, and a comrade. He fulfilled his roles as a statesman, a soldier, and an administrator to the country. We need the combined expertise, or what I could call the statesmanship, of all those who have had the chance to lead this nation in the past to pull us out of this predicament, so his passing is a huge loss to the country.
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“May his soul rest in perfect peace,” Obasanjo said, adding that he would be much missed.
Similarly, retd. Ibrahim Babangida, the former military president, expressed his sorrow over Buhari’s passing while mentioning their shared military history and close friendship.
Babangida paid tribute to President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, saying, “I received the news of his passing with a very heavy heart. He was my friend, my brother, my course mate, and a fellow soldier in the journey of nationhood.” We met when we enrolled in the Nigerian Military Training College in Kaduna in 1962. Muhammadu was a quiet but determined man, principled but modest, intensely patriotic, and fiercely loyal to Nigeria from those early days.
Over the years, we had triumphs and times of introspection, as well as hardships and triumphs, dreams and setbacks. Our mutual dedication to the principles of discipline, service, and patriotism, in addition to our military training, strengthened our friendship,” he said.
In his condolences, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo also referred to Buhari as a patriot who exemplified integrity and discipline. The news of Buhari’s death, which took place in a London hospital on Sunday, deeply grieved Osinbajo and his wife Dolapo, who worked for Buhari from 2015 to 2023.
Osinbajo stated, “Dolapo and I received, with profound sadness, the news of His Excellency, former President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, passing this afternoon,” in his message. We had the privilege of serving our country for eight unforgettable years with Her Excellency Aisha Buhari and their son Yusuf Buhari, and in the moments that followed, we spoke with them to offer our sincere condolences and to share in their profound loss.
“Nigeria has lost a true patriot, a man whose life was marked by unwavering devotion to the nation he loved,” Osinbajo continued, reflecting on Buhari’s life.
As a tribute to the noble nature of public service, which is characterized by integrity, self-control, and an unflinching dedication to the common good, President Buhari’s legacy will live on.
In closing, Osinbajo offered prayers for the country and Buhari’s family.
“We pray that the Almighty God will give his family and everyone grieving his loss strength and consolation.” May his memory be blessed forever.
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