The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on Sunday, July 13, in the United Kingdom.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume conveyed the message on behalf of FEC in a statement by Segun Imohiosen Director, Information and Public Relations, office of the SGF.
Akume described late Buhari as a true patriot, statesman and disciplined leader who served Nigeria with honour and integrity.
He noted that former President Buhari’s legacy, spanning his leadership as military Head of State (1984 to 1985) and as a democratically elected President (2015 to 2023), was defined by a resolute fight against corruption, a commitment to national unity and unwavering dedication to public service.
SGF said that the past leader led with calm strength, moral clarity and unmatched devotion to the Nigerian project.
“His vision for a better, safer and more transparent Nigeria inspired millions across the country and beyond as well as posterity.”
According to him, in honour of his memory, President Bola Tinubu has directed that the national flag be flown at half-mast across the country for seven days, beginning Sunday, July 13.
“The President has also summoned an emergency Federal Executive Council meeting for Tuesday, to pay tribute to the late leader and reflect on his service to the nation.
“The SGF on behalf of FEC members extended heartfelt condolences to Mrs Aisha Buhari, the entire family, the government and people of Katsina State. “
He prayed for Al-jannah Firdaus for the soul of the departed patriot.
Buhari: Nigeria has lost one of its greatest leaders – Shettima
Vice President Kashim Shettima has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
In his condolence message on Sunday in. Abuja, Shettima said Nigeria has lost one of its greatest leaders of all time.
He described the death of Buhari, who died on Sunday at a clinic in the United Kingdom at the age of 82, as the biggest loss Nigeria has ever incurred in recent time.
Shettima, who recently visited Buhari in London at the behest of President Bola Tinubu, regretted that the former president eventually succumbed to the cold hands of death.
According to him, Buhari died when he was being expected to recover soon, saying that the loss is “too cruel than terms could give out.
“It is a black Sunday in Nigeria! My heart is overwhelmed by grief, as the nation mourns one of its greatest leaders of all time, His Excellency, former President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR.
“This loss is too cruel than terms could give out – coming at a time I was anticipating his quick recovery after visiting him at the hospital in the United Kingdom.”
The vice-president said great leaders like the late Buhari were very rare to come by in a lifetime.
His legacies as an archetypal public servant, having served in several positions in the military before ascending the highest office in the land as Head of State.
“And civilian President after two decades, will continue to serve as a leading light for future leaders to follow. The late Pa Buhari dedicated his active years to serving Nigeria and the people.
“He was a true democrat in all senses of the word, and his loyalty to his country, uncompromising stance on unity and vision for a greater Nigeria contributed in no small measure to keeping the nation as one.
“Indeed, he lived a life that transcended the ordinary—a life of selflessness, a life defined by bravery in the face of adversity and integrity in public service,” Shettima added.
He expressed deep condolences to the Buhari family, the government and people of Katsina State, as well as the Nigerian government and Nigerians.
Shettima urged them to find solace in the fact that the former Nigerian leader ‘would continue to live amongst us through his legacies already engraved in the very fabric of the Nigerian State.”
Kwankwaso mourns Buhari
Sen. Rabiu Kwankwaso, former Governor of Kano State, has expressed profound shock and sadness over the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing it as a significant loss to Nigeria.
In a personally signed condolence message on Sunday and made available to newsmen Kwankwaso said that Buhari’s life was marked by decades of public service and sacrifice, both as a military leader and democratically-elected President.
“I received the news of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s passing with profound shock,” Kwankwaso stated.
He extended condolences to Buhari’s family, the government and people of Katsina State, and the entire nation.
Kwankwaso acknowledged Buhari’s contributions to Nigeria’s unity, stability, and development, and prayed that Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him eternal peace.
“This is a difficult moment for our nation as we mourn a leader who devoted many years of his life to serving our country,” he added.
Buhari: ACF mourns unifying symbol of masses
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Nigeria’s immediate past President,. retired Gen. Muhammadu Buhari.
The forum described him as a towering statesman and a symbol of loyalty for the Nigerian downtrodden, particularly in the North.
In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Tanko Muhammad-Baba, the ACF said the former president’s contributions to Nigeria spanned nearly six decades
According to ACF, Buhari has left behind a legacy that would continue to evoke both admiration and analysis.
“The late retired General was a recurring decimal in policy and governance circles in Nigeria for nearly the past 60 years,” Muhammad-Baba said.
He said that his roles from a Military Governor to the Minister of Petroleum Resources to Military Head of State, and later twice-elected President, reflected a lifetime of national service shaped by discipline and resolve.
The ACF acknowledged that Buhari’s tenure at various points in Nigeria’s complex political history included “momentous and often controversial episodes.”
It stressed that no Nigerian leader in recent memory commanded such loyalty among the common people, especially across Northern Nigeria.
“There is no Nigerian alive today that enjoyed the love and loyalty of the Nigerian downtrodden like the late President Muhammadu Buhari,” the forum stated.
Born in 1942, Buhari served in numerous command roles in the military and fought during the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970).
He later became Military Governor of the defunct North-Eastern State (now six states), Minister of Petroleum, and eventually rose to lead the nation twice first under military rule from 1983 to 1985, and later under democracy from 2015 to 2023.
The ACF said his life, service, and leadership would remain a subject of public debate for years to come a reflection of the complex legacy he leaves behind.
The forum extended its condolences to the Buhari family, the Government and people of Katsina State, the Federal Government, and all Nigerians who share in the loss.
“ACF mourns retired Gen. Buhari and prays for the peaceful repose of his soul in Aljannatul Firdaus,” it added.