Dare Babalola
As the Former President Muhammadu Buhari bids the world farewell, tributes have continued to pour in to mourn the late Nigerian leader who died at the age of 82 in a London hospital on Sunday.
President Bola Tinubu declared a seven-day mourning period for his predecessor, whom he described as “a patriot, a soldier, a statesman”.
President Tinubu in his tribute said, “He stood firm through the most turbulent times, leading with quiet strength, profound integrity, and an unshakable belief in Nigeria’s potential. He championed discipline in public service, confronted corruption head-on, and placed the country above personal interest at every turn.”
Senate President Godswill Akpabio stated that the late president “died when his wise counsel is needed most in this country.”
He added, “His leadership and legacy will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to our nation’s development and stability.
His life signified honesty, truth and justice; he was indeed, the real ‘Mai Gaskiya’.”
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas expressed shock over Buhari’s death saying the former Nigerian leader lived his life dedicated to the service of Nigeria.
He further described Buhari as an officer and statesman who made a name for himself as ‘incorruptible’ and lived a life defined by simplicity and a remarkable absence of materialism, “virtues that earned him widespread respect and trust across the country.”
For the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, “Buhari has always comported himself in a dignified manner as a leader.”
“His death provides a solemn moment, not just for his family and close associates, but for our nation as a whole,” Obi said.
Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo stated that he had the honour of serving Nigeria for eight memorable years alongside his late principal, Buhari.
He said, “Nigeria has lost a true patriot, a man whose life was marked by unyielding devotion to the nation he loved. President Buhari’s legacy will endure as a testament to the nobility of public service, defined by honesty, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to the public good.”
Also, a former Nigerian Vice President, Atiku Abubakar said Buhari’s life was “defined by unflinching patriotism, stoic discipline, and a lifelong commitment to the sovereignty and unity of our great nation.
“President Buhari was not just a former Head of State, he was 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.”
Buhari’s predecessor, Former President Goodluck Jonathan said his successor “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.”
“In his passing, Nigeria has lost one of its foremost leaders, and I have lost a respected colleague and elder. His legacy will continue to endure in the hearts of all who value sacrifice, integrity, perseverance and devotion to national ethos,” Jonathan added.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu said Buhari was a courageous, disciplined, respected and passionate leader who was committed to the growth and development of Nigeria.
He said, “He sacrificed the greater part of his life in the service of our dear country. He contributed immensely to the unity, growth, and development of Nigeria and served passionately as Military Governor, Minister of Petroleum Resources, Head of State, and President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.”
On his part, the Bauchi State Governor, Bala 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.
Former Military President, Ibrahim Babangida, describing Buhari as a brother and friend said from their days in training camp, the late former President’s quietness, resolute, principled nature, humility, patriotism, and loyalty to Nigeria radiated for all to see.
“But in all, Buhari remained consistent in his belief in integrity, order, and the dignity of public office,” IBB added.
The Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), the body of governors elected under the All Progressives Congress (APC), in a condolence message personally signed by its Chairman and Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, 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. 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,” the statement read.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in a letter signed by Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, its National Publicity Secretary stated that “the former military ruler and president was a towering figure who typifies humility, integrity and zero tolerance for corruption.”
The United States Mission in Nigeria described Buhari as a leader committed to restoring integrity to public office saying his life was defined by service, discipline, and dedication to strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
“The U.S. Mission in Nigeria extends our deepest condolences to the people of Nigeria on the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, a leader whose life was defined by service, discipline, and a commitment to restore integrity to public office. His legacy includes his efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic institutions. Our thoughts are with his family, loved ones, and all Nigerians who mourn this loss,” the Mission wrote.
Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf said, “President Buhari will be remembered as a principled and resolute leader who served Nigeria with honour and conviction. Throughout his tenure, he remained a committed pan-Africanist—an advocate for regional integration, good governance, and African-led solutions to the continent’s pressing challenges. He was a steadfast supporter of multilateral cooperation and a tireless champion of peace and stability across Africa.”
Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, stated, “ECOWAS salutes the memory of this distinguished statesman, whose invaluable contributions greatly advanced democracy and regional integration in West Africa and across the African continent.”
