- Safiu Kehinde
The demise of Former Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari, who died at the age of 82 has attracted torrent of tributes from prominent Nigerians, world leaders, and organisations.
Buhari passed away on Sunday evening at the London hospital after prolonged illness.
His demise had left Nigeria in a state of national mourning as his successor, President Bola Tinubu, declared the hoisting of the national flag half-mast for the next seven days.
The National Assembly had also in honour of the former military head of state by suspended legislative activities.
While the nation awaits the arrival of the former President’s body, prominent Nigerians and leaders across the world have showered tributes to Buhari while commiserating with the nation and the deceased’s family.
Leading prominent Nigerians in mourning Buhari was former President, Olusegun Obasanjo.
The ex-President in a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr Kehinde Akinyemi, on Sunday in Abeokuta, said the news of the death of his former colleague, President Buhari, was received with heavy heart.
He hailed the late Buhari for his patriotism, stressing that he tried his best to give the country the needed progress and development.
“It is with heavy heart I received the news of the passing of a colleague, a comrade, a cool patriot and a soldier, General Muhammadu Buhari,
“He played his role as a soldier, as an administrator and a statesman among numerous obligations he performed,
“At a time like this, we need the totality of the experience and what I may call statesmanship of all those who had opportunities to run the affairs of this country to get us out of the situation we are in.” Obasanjo wrote.
Similarly, another former President and Buhari’s predecessor, Goodluck Jonathan, lauded the late Nigerian leader for his courage, discipline, and commitment which he claimed the ex-President will be remembered for.
“President Buhari was a notable leader, patriot, and elder statesman who served our beloved nation as both a military head of state and president to the best of his abilities.
“He will be remembered as a courageous leader, a disciplined officer, and a committed public servant who made considerable contributions towards the peace and progress of our dear nation.
“The late president was deeply admired across all strata of society for his decency, integrity, and exemplary life of service.” Jonathan partly wrote.
In his tribute, former Ekiti State governor, Kayode Fayemi, who served under the Buhari-led administration as the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, noted that the ex-President’s life was defined by resilience and unyeilding belief in Nigeria.
“President Buhari’s life was defined by resilience and an unyielding belief in the Nigerian project,
“He contested and lost multiple presidential elections but never gave up on his commitment to the ideals he believed in. His eventual victory in 2015 and re-election in 2019 were testaments to his perseverance and the trust millions of Nigerians placed in his leadership.” He wrote.
Nigerian First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, on her part, appreciated Buhari’s dedication to the nation’s service.
She described the late former President as a leader who served the country with love, dedication, integrity and unwavering commitment to his people.
“It is with deep sadness I received the news of the passing of Former President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR). Our nation has lost a great leader who dedicated his life to the service of our beloved country.
“Former President Buhari served Nigeria with unwavering commitment, integrity, and a deep love for his people.
“He was a man of immense courage, conviction, and a tireless advocate for justice and good governance,” she said.
Spearheading the world leaders in tribute to Buhari, Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, expressed his heartfelt sorrow over the passing of the former Nigerian President.
Modi, in a post on his X handle on Monday, recalled his past meetings with the late Buhari, and highlighted the deceased’s wisdom, warmth, and steadfast dedication to fostering India-Nigeria relationship.
“Deeply saddened by the passing of former President of Nigeria Muhammadu Buhari.
“I fondly recall our meetings and conversations on various occasions. His wisdom, warmth, and unwavering commitment to India–Nigeria friendship stood out.
“I join the 1.4 billion people of India in extending our heartfelt condolences to his family, the people, and the government of Nigeria,” the Indian PM wrote.
Also mourning Buhari was King Mohammed VI of Morocco who in a statement expressed sympathy to Tinubu, the late president’s family, and the people of Nigeria, describing the loss as a ‘sad occurrence’.
He described Buhari as an “illustrious leader who worked untiringly to serve his country’s best interests and lead his people toward further progress and prosperity.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the bereaved.
“I share your grief and want you to know how much I appreciated the working sessions I had with the deceased.
“They culminated in the launch of promising development projects that have ushered a new era grounded in friendship and close cooperation between our two- sister nations,” the Moroccan monarch said.
Also mourning Buhari was the Chinese Embassy.
The Embassy, in a condolence message posted on its official X handle, expressed sorrow over the loss, describing Buhari as a steadfast leader and friend of China.
“We mourn a resolute leader whose unwavering dedication to Nigeria’s unity and progress leaves an enduring legacy.
“His pivotal contributions to advancing China-Nigeria relations will forever remain etched in our shared history. Our thoughts are with his family and the Nigerian people,” the statement read.
More details later…