Some prominent Nigerians have paid tribute to the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 82 in a London clinic.
News of the former president’s death broke late Sunday, sparking an outpouring of condolences from across the country.
Former Inspector-General of Police, Mr Mike Okiro, in a telephone interview with NAN in Lagos, described the death of former president Buhari as unfortunate, especially at a time the nation needed him most.
Okiro, who served as Chairman of the Police Service Commission during Buhari’s administration, said Nigeria had lost a great leader.
“Buhari was firmly against all forms of corruption and worked tirelessly to rid Nigeria of crime through the security agencies.
“He will be fondly remembered for his uncompromising stance against crime and corruption,” Okiro said.
Similarly, political economist Prof. Pat Utomi, who expressed deep sorrow over Buhari’s death, recalled a striking coincidence involving the late president.
“It’s ironical that I was with Buhari in his home in Kaduna, discussing the challenges of nation-building in Nigeria, when he received a call announcing the death of former President Shehu Yar’Adua.
“And today, I was in the company of presidential candidate Mr Peter Obi, having a similar conversation, when the news of Buhari’s death came in,” Utomi said.
He expressed his condolences to the former president’s family and called for national reflection.
“I wish fortitude to his family and hope his passing will lead us all to a critical examination of our consciences about how we commit to nation building.
“Buhari will probably be remembered best for his push for discipline in public life and his stern stance on corruption,” he told NAN on a telephone interview.
Similarly, the Founder of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Dr Boniface Aniebonam, described Buhari as a man who lived a fulfilled life in service to the nation.
Aniebonam noted that Buhari had the rare privilege of serving as both a military Head of State and an elected President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Buhari did his best for Nigeria, and his contributions to national development and governance will be remembered in the annals of the country’s history,” he said.
Offering prayers for the repose of the former president’s soul, Aniebonam added: “May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace. Amen.”
He said the condolence message reflects the NNPP’s commitment to honouring national leaders who had contributed meaningfully to the country’s growth, regardless of political affiliation.
Sen. Makarfi mourns ex-President Buhari
Sen. Ahmed Makarfi on Sunday mourned the death of former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari who died ina London clinic on Sunday.
Makarfi, a former Governor of Kaduna State from 1999 -2007, in his condolence massage, said “I’ve received with shock but also total submission to the will of Allah (SWT) news of the death, today in London, of the immediate past President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, at the age of 82.”
According to him, Buhari’s services to Nigeria across time would not be forgotten by many generations of Nigerians.
Makarfi said, “From the fight he fought for the preservation of the unity and integrity of the country as young officer of the Nigerian Army, stints as a Military Governor of the then North-Eastern and later Borno, Minister of Petroleum.
“Also, General OFficer Commanding (GOC), Head of State as well as the Executive Chairman of the defunct Petroleum Trust Fund and lately as a two-term President, among others, he demonstrated total commitment to the country and humanity.”
He said the late president lived such a good life from which Nigerians, irrespective of ethnic, religious and sectional backgrounds should derive valuable lessons.
“He utilised the various leadership positions he held to give his best in moving Nigeria forward. His death at this time when the country needs his wise counsel as a highly respected former leader is therefore a source of sadness for all of us.
“We will remember him as a leader who gave his all for the country. It is with utmost sadness that I condole with his immediate family, relatives, associates and all other Nigerians over this irreplaceable loss.
“I pray to Allah to forgive his shortcomings, strengthen his family and give all of us the courage to bear this irreparable loss,” Makarki said.
Buhari’s death, personal, national loss – Buratai
The former Chief of Army Staff, retired Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, has described the passing of former president Muhammadu Buhari, as both personal and national loss.
In his condolence message, Buratai said that Buhari’s death marked the end of an era, defined by uncommon dedication to nation-building, resolute leadership, and steadfast devotion to the ideals of honesty, integrity, and patriotism.
The former Nigerian ambassador to Benin Republic, said that Nigeria had lost one of its greatest sons, while the world had lost a statesman of principle and conviction.
“It is with profound sorrow and a deep sense of personal and national loss that I mourn the passing of Muhammadu Buhari, former president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“I remain eternally grateful for the trust and confidence that Buhari placed in me, when he appointed me chief of army staff at a most critical time in our nation’s history on July 13, 2015.
“With his clear strategic direction and consistent support, I was able to lead the Nigerian army through a historic transformation.
“The military became more professional, better trained, and better equipped.
“Under his leadership and with his belief in our mission, we successfully reclaimed all territories previously held by Boko Haram and made significant strides in the broader counterterrorism, anti-banditry and anti-kidnapping efforts across the country.
“These accomplishments, which I deeply cherish, are a direct reflection of Buhari’s firm and visionary leadership,” he said.
Buratai said his later appointment as Nigeria’s ambassador to the Republic of Benin further demonstrated Buhari’s enduring confidence in his service to the nation.
“In this solemn moment, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the immediate and extended family of the late formed president and to His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, his worthy successor.
“Also, to His Royal Highness, the Emir of Daura; to the good people of the Daura Emirate on the passing of their illustrious son; to the government and the good people of Katsina ; to all Nigerians; and indeed, to humanity at large.
“We are all united in grief over this irreparable loss.
“Muhammadu Buhari’s legacy of integrity, impeccable character, simplicity, discipline, and patriotism will continue to inspire generations of leaders and citizens alike.
The nation he loved and served so selflessly will never forget him.
“May Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings, reward his good deeds, and grant his noble soul Aljannatul Firdaus, amen,” he added.
Buhari’s death sad, shocking – Otti
Gov. Alex Otti of Abia said he received the “sad news” of the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari with shock.
In a statement issued by Ferdinand Ekeoma, his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Otti condoled President Bola Tinubu and Buhari’s family on the incident.
He urged the bereaved family and other loved ones to bear his loss with fortitude.
He prayed for the repose of the soul of the former president.
In a similar vein, the Abia APC Chairman, Dr Kingsley Ononogbu, has expressed regret over Buhari’s death, describing it as “sobering”.
Ononogbu, however, declined further comments on the person and leadership of the deceased, saying that he should be accorded respect on the day of his death.
According to him, it is not nice for people to make certain comments on the death of Buhari, everyone will die someday.
Enang describes Buhari as iconic, towering figure
Sen. Ita Enang has described the late former President, Muhammadu Buhari, as an iconic and towering figure who contributed immensely to Nigeria’s development.
Reacting to Buhari’s death, Enang told NAN in Uyo on Sunday that the former president meant well for the country.
He said that Buhari would be remembered for his honesty, sacrifice, empathy and contrite heart
Enang, who served as Senior Special Assistant on National Assembly (Senate,) during Buhari’s presidency, described his death as a huge loss to the nation and Africa at large.
He prayed God to grant his family the fortitude to bear the loss, saying, “may his soul find rest in God’s bosom”.
Enang urged Nigerians to judge the late former president kindly, and prayed that his wishes of unity and progress for the country would remain alive.
Recall that Buhari who served as Nigeria’s president for two terms, was elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress in 2015.
An official report said he died in a London hospital on Sunday.
Buhari’s death, a monumental loss to Nigeria – Nwifuru
Gov. Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing it as a monumental loss to Nigeria.
Nwifuru in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Dr Monday Uzor.and made available to newsmen on Sunday, said that Buhari was a towering figure in the nation’s annals.
The governor said that the former military head of state’s life was marked by discipline and selfless service to Nigeria.
“Buhari had an undistracted commitment to the unity and progress of the nation.
” This was shown from his first appearance on the national stage as Military Head of State in 1984 to his return as democratically elected President in 2015.
“He consistently embodied integrity, courage and simplicity; values that endeared him to millions of Nigerians,” the statement read.
The governor said that Buhari was more than a national leader.to Ebonyi people as he was a developmental partner and friend.
“I commiserate the government and people of Kastina and Federal Government on this colossal loss.
“The government and people of Ebonyi pray for the repose of Buhari’s soul” the statement read.
Katsina Rep. mourns Buhari, acknowledges his vision for united, strong Nigeria
The Chairman, House Committee on Interior, Alhaji Abdullahi Aliyu-Ahmed, has expressed immense sadness over the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
In a condolence message signed by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr Francis Sardauna, Aliyu-Ahmed acknowledged the late president’s vision for a united and strong Nigeria, a cause he pursued with remarkable honesty and passion.
“Buhari’s life of selfless service, wisdom, foresight, and dedication to the democratic principles of fairness and good governance inspired generations of African leaders,” he said.
Ahmed, who represents Musawa/Matazu Federal Constituency of Katsina State, said Buhari was a statesman, patriarch, nationalist and patriot that served Nigeria between 2015 to 2023 with transparency and accountability.
He said that Buhari would always be remembered for his uncompromising stand against corruption, war against Boko Haram, terrorism and his impactful economic reforms and policies.
“Our father and leader, former President Muhammadu Buhari was a man of integrity, a bridge-builder, and a patriot who devoted his life to the betterment of our country,” he added.
The lawmaker said the passing away of the Nigerian former president at this time when Nigeria and, indeed, all of Africa, stand to benefit from his wisdom and experience in building a stable and prosperous continent, was a great loss.
He, therefore, extended his heartfelt condolences to the former president’s family, other Nigerians and the Katsina State Government over the irreplaceable and great loss.
Northern CAN mourns Buhari, says Nigeria has lost a father figure
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 a lasting imprint on the nation’s development.
In a statement released in Kaduna on Sunday, the Chairman of Northern CAN, Rev. Joseph Hayab, said the passing of the former president marks the end of a significant chapter in Nigeria’s political evolution.
He stated d that although opinions were divided on some of Buhari’s policies while in office, there was no denying his strong sense of patriotism, discipline, and commitment to national unity.
According to him, Buhari’s contribution to the Nigerian state, both as a military leader and a democratically elected president, would continue to shape national discourse for generations to come.
He recalled that Buhari first led the country as Head of State between January 1984 and August 1985, and later served two terms as President from 2015 to 2023, a statesman that launched the “war against indiscipline and corruption.“
The Northern CAN chairman extended condolences to the former First Lady, Aisha Buhari, and the entire family.
He urged them to take solace in the legacy of public service left behind by the late leader as he offered prayers for God’s comfort and strength for the family during this period of mourning.
Hayab commended President Bola Tinubu for the manner in which he has responded to the loss, especially by declaring national mourning and instructing Vice-President Kashim Shettima to travel to the United Kingdom to accompany the late president’s remains back to Nigeria.
He further encouraged Nigerians to honour Buhari’s memory by fostering unity, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence across political and religious divides.
Hayab explained that while Nigerians may hold different views about his leadership, it was only proper to remember the former president with dignity and gratitude for his sacrifices.
Late Buhari lived spartan life, Oyo APC mourns
The All Progressives Congress (APC), Oyo State Chapter, has mourned former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as an uncommon hero and one of the greatest Nigerian citizens.
This is contained in a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare and made available to newsmen on Sunday in Ibadan.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the former president died on Sunday at a London hospital where he had been receiving treatment for an undisclosed illness
The APC described the late national leader as a worthy model whose record of service to the nation, Africa and the world at large can never be overemphasised.
“We received the news of the passing of our dear leader, former President Muhammadu Buhari, with a rude shock and utter disbelief on Sunday.
“We had wished he lived longer to continue his modest contribution to the cause of nationhood and humanity in general.
“As a matter of fact, the great man died at a time his rich wealth of experience and wise counsel was needed globally and particularly in Nigeria,” it said.
The party described the late president as a man who dedicated his life to excellence and towered above many of his contemporaries in military, politics as well as private life.
“Buhari lived a spartan life. He was averse to indiscipline, recklessness and abuse of power even when he governed the world’s most populous black nation as a military Head of State and later a civilian President.
“We shall continue to celebrate the departed hero who has left an indelible mark in the sands of time,” the party said.
The APC commiserated with President Bola Tinubu, the APC nationwide, members of Buhari’s family and the entire people of Daura in Katsina State over the loss.
It prayed that Almighty Allah grant the soul of the departed national leader and president eternal rest.