Tag: BUHARI

Former Katsina State Governor, Aminu Bello Masari, has described the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari as a national tragedy and a moment for deep reflection, noting that Buhari served Nigeria with unwavering dedication and fairness.

Speaking exclusively to The Nation in Katsina shortly after the announcement of Buhari’s passing, Masari said, “Buhari was a gentle and just leader who, despite his roots in Katsina, governed with the entire nation in mind.”

“He came from Katsina, but he served the nation,” Masari noted. “From his early days as a military officer, to Head of State, and finally as a democratically elected President, Buhari’s entire career was committed to Nigeria.”

Read Also: BREAKING: Tinubu announces Buhari’s death, sends Shettima to escort body to Nigeria

He stressed that Buhari never showed preferential treatment to his home state. “I can say this without hesitation, Buhari never favoured Katsina over any other state. He was fair, firm, and deeply principled. He belonged to the whole country, not just one part of it.”

Masari described the late president as a rare leader marked by humility, justice, and selflessness. “President Buhari represents a rare breed of leaders. Nigeria has lost a true patriot,” he said.

He added that Buhari’s legacy of integrity, discipline, and an austere lifestyle—particularly his fierce stance against corruption- would continue to shape Nigeria’s democratic and institutional memory for generations.

As the nation remains in mourning, preparations for Buhari’s burial are underway, with official confirmation expected from the Katsina State Government and the Emirate Council.

Former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, has mourned the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, saying that Nigeria has lost a symbol, a man whose life embodied the transition of Nigeria from the old guard to the new republic.

In a tribute signed by Babangida and made available to The Nation, Babangida recalled how Buhari had been fiercely loyal and patriotic to Nigeria from the early days.

“It is with a deeply heavy heart that I received the news of the passing of my friend, my brother, my coursemate, and a fellow soldier in the journey of nationhood, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR.

“Our paths crossed in 1962 when we both joined the Nigerian Military Training College in Kaduna. From those early days, Muhammadu stood out, quiet yet resolute, principled yet humble, deeply patriotic and fiercely loyal to Nigeria. Through the years, we shared trenches and trials, dreams and disappointments, victories and moments of reflection. Our bond was forged not only by military training but by a shared commitment to the ideals of service, discipline, and love for the country.

Read Also: BREAKING: Tinubu announces Buhari’s death, sends Shettima to escort body to Nigeria

“In the course of our long careers, fate placed both of us in leadership at different times, and in very different circumstances. But in all, Buhari remained consistent in his belief in integrity, order, and the dignity of public office”, Babangida stated.

He further described how Buhari served Nigeria with a deep sense of responsibility and unwavering commitment, even when the road was lonely or misunderstood adding that beyond the uniform and the public glare, Buhari was a deeply spiritual man, a man who found solace in faith, and carried himself with the humility of someone who believed in a higher calling.

“We may not have agreed on everything, as brothers often don’t, but I never once doubted his sincerity or his patriotism. His passing today is not just the loss of a former Head of State or a two-term civilian President. It is the loss of a symbol, a man whose life embodied the transition of Nigeria from the old guard to the new republic. A man who, even in retirement, remained a moral compass to many, and an example of modesty in public life.”

Babangida extended his condolences to Buhari’s wife, children, grandchildren, and the nation, praying that his legacy endure.

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has expressed deep sadness over the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as a man defined by unflinching patriotism, stoic discipline, and a lifelong commitment to Nigeria’s sovereignty and unity.

Former President Buhari died today (Sunday) afternoon, at a clinic in London, United Kingdom, where he had been receiving medical attention.

His death was confirmed in a statement issued by his former spokesman, Garba Shehu, on behalf of the family.

In a statement on X, Atiku said Buhari was not just a former Head of State but a symbol of Nigeria’s resilience.

“From the battlefield to the corridors of power, he served with the kind of austere conviction and firm belief in duty that marked him as a soldier of principle and a leader of formidable will,” he said.

Read Also: Buhari’s death marks end of an era — APC governors forum

He noted that Buhari’s death was not just a loss to his immediate family and the people of Daura but a profound national tragedy.

“Nigeria has lost a statesman who bore the burdens of leadership in both turbulent and triumphant times and whose legacy will be remembered for generations to come.”

The former Vice President offered his condolences to Buhari’s family and the people of Katsina State, praying for strength and comfort in their time of grief.

“To his beloved family, I offer my deepest condolences. I pray for strength and comfort in this time of grief. To the people of Katsina State and the entire nation, I mourn with you. May we all take solace in the knowledge that he gave his life to the service of Nigeria and never wavered in his belief in her promise.”

He prayed that Allah forgive the late President’s shortcomings and grant him eternal rest in Aljannah Firdaus.

The northern chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as a father figure whose leadership left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s journey of nationhood.

In a statement issued in Kaduna on Sunday, the chairman of Northern CAN, Reverend Joseph John Hayab, said Buhari’s passing signalled the close of a defining chapter in Nigeria’s political history.

“While Nigerians may have held divergent views on some of his policies, there is no denying Buhari’s strong sense of patriotism, discipline, and unwavering commitment to national unity,” Reverend Hayab said.

He noted that the late President’s contributions to the Nigerian state — first as military ruler between January 1984 and August 1985, and later as twice democratically elected leader from 2015 to 2023 — would continue to shape public discourse for years to come.

Reverend Hayab particularly recalled Buhari’s bold anti-graft and moral reorientation campaigns, from the famed “War Against Indiscipline” in the 1980s to his later battles against systemic corruption as civilian president.

The CAN leader extended heartfelt condolences to former First Lady Aisha Buhari and the entire Buhari family, urging them to find comfort in the enduring legacy of public service and sacrifice left behind by the late statesman.

Read Also: BREAKING: Tinubu announces Buhari’s death, sends Shettima to escort body to Nigeria

He also offered prayers for God’s strength and consolation for the bereaved family during this period of mourning.

Reverend Hayab lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his prompt and dignified response to the national loss, especially by declaring days of mourning and directing Vice President Kashim Shettima to lead a delegation to the United Kingdom to accompany Buhari’s remains back home.

He urged Nigerians across political, ethnic, and religious lines to honour the late President’s memory by promoting unity, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence.

“Regardless of where anyone stood on his leadership, President Muhammadu Buhari deserves to be remembered with dignity and gratitude for the sacrifices he made in the service of our country,” the Northern CAN chairman said.

Buhari died on Sunday afternoon at about 4:30 p.m. in a London hospital after a prolonged illness. In his honour, President Tinubu has directed that national flags be flown at half-mast across the country.

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has expressed profound sorrow over the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing his passing as a monumental loss to the nation.

In a condolence message released by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mukhtar Gidado, Governor Mohammed said the news of Buhari’s death has plunged the nation into mourning, noting that the late leader embodied integrity, discipline, and unwavering patriotism.

“President Muhammadu Buhari was a statesman of uncommon integrity, discipline, and simplicity,” the statement read. “His passing is a monumental national loss.”

Speaking on behalf of his family, the government, and the people of Bauchi State, the governor praised Buhari’s decades-long service to Nigeria, first as Military Head of State from 1983 to 1985, and later as a two-term civilian President from 2015 to 2023.

Governor Mohammed commended Buhari’s anti-corruption stance, infrastructural strides, agricultural reforms, and economic repositioning efforts, noting that his leadership during trying times helped stabilise the country.

“His legacy is indelible. His efforts to promote democratic values and national unity will continue to inspire future generations,” Mohammed stated.

Read Also: BREAKING: Tinubu announces Buhari’s death, sends Shettima to escort body to Nigeria

Reflecting on his personal relationship with the late president, Governor Mohammed described Buhari as a calm but firm patriot, whose humility and commitment to transparency should serve as a model for present and future leaders.

He concluded by praying for Allah’s mercy upon the late president and for his eternal rest in *Aljannatul Firdaus.

“His stoic demeanour and ability to maintain personal discipline even at the height of political power are attributes worthy of emulation,” he added.

He said the people of Bauchi State share a special connection to the former President and will always hold his memory dear.

“His passing is not just a loss to his immediate family or Katsina State, but a monumental loss to the entire nation and the African continent.”

While mourning the late leader, Governor Mohammed called on Nigerians to celebrate his legacy and continue the pursuit of justice, unity, and equity, which Buhari stood for.

He prayed for Allah’s mercy upon his soul and asked that he be granted Aljannatul Firdaus.

The governor also extended condolences to the Buhari family, the people and Government of Katsina State, the Nigerian Armed Forces, the National Council of State, and Nigerians at large, both at home and abroad.

President Muhammadu Buhari, who was born in 1942, died at the age of 82.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has condoled with the family of former President Muhammadu Buhari and all Nigerians over his passing, describing him as a towering figure in Nigeria’s political history.

In a condolence statement signed by its interim National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the opposition party said Buhari would be remembered for his enduring legacy as an elder statesman and a true patriot.

Read Also: BREAKING: Tinubu announces Buhari’s death, sends Shettima to escort body to Nigeria

The ADC praised the late president for his exemplary humility, integrity, and firm stance against corruption, both as a military leader and a democratically elected president.

“We recall with respect the contributions of former President Buhari to the Nigerian state. He was a towering figure who typified humility, integrity, and zero tolerance for corruption,” the statement read.

The party prayed Almighty Allah to forgive Buhari’s shortcomings and grant him eternal rest in Aljannatul Firdaus.

…as ACF, Gov Sani, Arewa youths pay tribute to late ex-president

The northern region was plunged into deep mourning on Sunday following the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, with prominent regional organisations and political figures describing his passing as the end of a remarkable chapter in Nigeria’s history.

Buhari, who died in a London hospital on Sunday, was eulogised by the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) as a towering statesman whose public service career spanned nearly six decades and left an enduring legacy on Nigeria’s governance.

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Tukur Muhammad-Baba, the ACF expressed deep sorrow over the former president’s demise, noting that until his death, Buhari was one of only four surviving former Nigerian Heads of State.

“General Buhari led a life full of momentous activities,” the statement read. “He was a recurring decimal in Nigeria’s governance for nearly 60 years—military governor of the former Northeastern State, Federal Commissioner for Petroleum Resources, and Head of State from 1983 to 1985.”

The Forum also noted Buhari’s active role in the Nigerian Civil War and acknowledged that his leadership—both as military ruler and as a democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023—will continue to spark debate and analysis for years to come.

Read Also: BREAKING: Tinubu announces Buhari’s death, sends Shettima to escort body to Nigeria

“Though not without controversy, there is no Nigerian alive today who commanded the loyalty of the downtrodden, especially in the North, like President Buhari,” the ACF stated. It extended heartfelt condolences to his family, the people and government of Katsina State, and all Nigerians, praying for his peaceful repose in Aljanna Firdaus.

In a separate tribute, Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, described Buhari’s death as a national tragedy and a deeply personal loss to the people of Kaduna.

“President Buhari was a towering figure in our national life — a soldier, statesman, reformer, and a beloved leader of the people,” Sani said. “Though a military general, he embraced the path of democracy and lived with quiet dignity, advocating the rule of law and the supremacy of the people’s will.”

According to him, Kaduna mourns not just a leader, but a father figure and moral compass whose steady voice brought comfort in times of national uncertainty.

The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) also paid glowing tribute, describing Buhari as a symbol of integrity whose passing has created a void in the nation’s moral and political life.

In a statement issued in Kaduna, AYCF President-General, Yerima Shettima, said, “Buhari’s death marks the end of an era in Nigerian politics. He was a rare leader who inspired trust and loyalty among the ordinary people. To honour his legacy, we must continue to strive for national unity and collective progress.”

The North, united in grief, now bids farewell to a man whose life and service shaped generations and defined a significant part of Nigeria’s post-independence journey.

“To his immediate family, we extend our deepest sympathies. The loss of a father, grandfather, and husband is immeasurable, and we stand with you in this time of grief,” the youth body said.

The AYCF called on citizens to draw inspiration from Buhari’s life and steadfast principles. “Let us reflect on the lessons learned from President Buhari’s life and strive for a Nigeria that embodies his vision of integrity, unity, and progress.”

The Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), the body of governors elected under the All Progressives Congress (APC), has described the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari as the loss of one of Nigeria’s most emblematic leaders.

In a condolence message personally signed by its Chairman and Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, and issued on Sunday in Abuja, the Forum said Buhari’s passing signals the close of an era defined by integrity, patriotism, and uncommon sacrifice.

“We received the news of former President Buhari’s death with profound shock and sadness,” Uzodimma stated. “The Forum extends its heartfelt condolences to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the family of the late President, and the entire nation. His death is a monumental loss not only to his immediate family but to the country at large.”

Read Also: BREAKING: Tinubu announces Buhari’s death, sends Shettima to escort body to Nigeria

According to the statement, Buhari was a symbol of honest and dedicated leadership, who, after a decorated military career, returned to power through democratic means to serve the nation with renewed commitment and honour.

Uzodimma praised the late President’s resolute fight against corruption and indiscipline, values Buhari upheld throughout his time in office, first as a military leader and later as a democratically elected president.

“President Buhari was an unparalleled patriot,” Uzodimma noted. “His legacy as a moral compass for transparent and accountable governance will continue to inspire generations of leaders across Nigeria and the African continent.”

The Forum concluded by praying for the peaceful repose of Buhari’s soul and comfort for his family and all Nigerians mourning his loss.

Governor Dikko Umar Radda of Katsina State has described the late former President Muhammadu Buhari as the embodiment of the common man’s aspirations, whose leadership was defined by people-oriented programmes and a genuine love for the masses.

In a statement signed by his chief press secretary, Muhammad Kaula, Governor Radda lamented the loss of what he called Katrina’s most illustrious son, following the former president’s death on Sunday at about 4:30 p.m. in London after a prolonged illness.

“Today, Nigeria has lost a patriot, Katsina has lost its most illustrious son, and I have lost a father figure whose footsteps I have endeavoured to follow,” Radda said.

He recalled Buhari’s distinguished service to Nigeria, first as military head of state from January 1984 to August 1985, and later as a democratically elected President between 2015 and 2023, describing him as a symbol of Katsina’s values of integrity, service, and unwavering commitment to the people.

“President Buhari was not just a leader; he was the embodiment of the common man’s aspirations. His people-oriented programmes and genuine love for the masses defined his leadership philosophy,” Radda stated.

According to the governor, Buhari’s legacy transcends political affiliations and consistently champions the cause of ordinary Nigerians throughout his career.

“From his early days as a military leader to his transformative presidency, President Buhari never forgot his roots. He remained connected to the soil of Katsina and the hearts of its people. His passing leaves an irreplaceable void in our collective consciousness,” he added.

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Radda urged Nigerians to honour the memory of Buhari by upholding his legacy of putting the people first, which, he said, will inspire future generations of leaders.

Meanwhile, Daura, Buhari’s hometown, has been thrown into mourning since the announcement of his death.

The Emir of Daura, Alhaji Farouk Umar Farouk, through his spokesman, Ibrahim Usman Yaro (Sarkin Labaran Masarautar Daura), told The Nation that this marks the second time Katsina is losing one of its sons who served as Nigeria’s President.

Yaro also confirmed that arrangements are underway for the burial of the late President, tentatively scheduled for Monday at 4 p.m., subject to final confirmation from the Katsina State Government.