Nigeria continues to reel from the news of the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on Sunday in London at the age of 82, after a prolonged illness.
Buhari, a retired Major General and former Head of State, served as Nigeria’s civilian President from 2015 to 2023, after previously ruling as military leader between 1984 and 1985.
His death has sparked an outpouring of grief and tributes from leaders across the country and political divides.
Senate President: “A Statesman of Great Integrity”
President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, described the late Buhari as “a statesman and leader of great integrity.”
In a personal condolence message, Akpabio extended his sympathies to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the people of Katsina State, and the Buhari family.
Senator Barau: “Visionary Advocate for Unity”
Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, hailed Buhari as “an untiring promoter of peace and unity.”
He noted that Buhari’s leadership, both military and civilian, demonstrated a vision of national cohesion and discipline.
Vice President Shettima: “A Loss Too Cruel for Words”
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who recently visited Buhari in the UK on President Tinubu’s directive, expressed heartbreak over the news. “It is a black Sunday in Nigeria,” Shettima mourned. “This loss is too cruel than terms could give out.”
He described Buhari as “one of the greatest leaders Nigeria has ever produced,” adding that his legacy will remain “engraved in the very fabric of the Nigerian State.”
Governors’ Forum: “A Giant Has Fallen”
The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), led by Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, called Buhari’s death “a significant depletion in the rank of Africa’s all-time great men.”
The Forum highlighted Buhari’s humility, moral courage, and devotion to duty, praying that “Allah admits him into Al-Jannah Firdaus and grants the family strength.”
APC: “An Iconic Patriot”
The All Progressives Congress (APC) mourned its former leader, describing Buhari as “an iconic patriot and a towering symbol of integrity.”
In a tribute, the party praised his transformation from a no-nonsense general to a “soft-spoken democrat,” noting his historic 2015 victory as the first opposition candidate to unseat an incumbent president in Nigeria.
ADC: “Voice of Reason Silenced”
Senator David Mark, National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and a former military governor under Buhari’s regime, described the death as a painful blow to national leadership.
“President Buhari passed away at a time when his fatherly advice was most needed,” Mark said.
NNPP: “A Modest and Disciplined Leader”
The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), through its spokesperson Chief Ladipo Johnson, remembered Buhari as “a dignified, modest and disciplined democrat.”
The party praised his transition from a military ruler to a committed civilian leader who upheld democratic principles.
National Mourning Continues
President Bola Tinubu, who announced Buhari’s death, has ordered flags at half-mast nationwide.
Meanwhile, Vice President, Kashim Shettima has arrived in London.
He was received by minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar and Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum.
They will accompany former President Muhammadu Buhari’s body back to Nigeria.
Buhari’s funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming days, as tributes continue to pour in for a man widely regarded as one of the most consequential figures in Nigeria’s political history.