…President Tinubu orders seven days of national mourning
…The North has lost its moral compass – NGF
…Shettima, Gbajabiamila to escort Buhari’s remains back to Nigeria
By Our Correspondents
Nigeria was thrown into deep mourning on Sunday following the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari at the age of 82 in a London hospital.
As tributes poured in from leaders across party lines and regions including President Bola Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, as political analysts say Buhari’s demise has created a political vacuum in northern Nigeria, leaving questions about who will now emerge as the region’s unifying figure and moral authority.
With Buhari gone, political heavyweights such as Nasir El-Rufai, Atiku Abubakar, and others are already being touted as possible successors to the late leader’s symbolic role in northern politics.
Buhari, who served as Nigeria’s civilian president from 2015 to 2023 after an earlier tenure as military Head of State from 1983 to 1985, was described by leaders as a man of austere discipline and unflinching patriotism.
President Tinubu in a statement signed by Bayo Onanuga described Buhari’s passing as “a monumental national loss.”
He noted that Buhari’s integrity and commitment to Nigeria’s unity were unmatched.
“President Buhari lived and died for this country. He was a symbol of discipline and patriotism. His contributions will continue to inspire generations,” Tinubu said.
Tinubu has ordered national flags to be flown at half-mast for seven days and directed Vice President Shettima and Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila to travel to London to accompany Buhari’s remains back to Nigeria for burial.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State expressed sadness over Buhari’s death, describing him as “a courageous, disciplined, respected and passionate leader.”
He wrote: “On behalf of my wife, Ibijoke, the people and government of Lagos State, I mourn the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, one of Nigeria’s most prominent military and political leaders. He sacrificed the greater part of his life in service of our dear country.”
Also, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun also paid tribute, saying Buhari’s death marked “the end of an era of unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s unity and progress.”
“President Buhari provided honest and transparent leadership and was a pillar of integrity for our nation. His legacy will endure for generations,” Abiodun said.
The Northern Governors Forum (NSGF), in a statement signed by its Chairman and Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, said Buhari’s death had left a huge vacuum in northern politics.
“President Buhari was more than a leader; he was our mentor, our moral compass, and a symbol of simplicity and patriotism. His death is a devastating blow to the North and to Nigeria as a whole,” the governors stated.
They prayed for Allah’s forgiveness of Buhari’s shortcomings and for his eternal rest in Aljannatul Firdaus.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar described Buhari’s passing as “a profound national tragedy.”
“President Buhari bore the burdens of leadership in turbulent and triumphant times. His legacy of discipline and patriotism will not be forgotten,” Atiku said.
Peter Obi, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, called the moment “a solemn one for national reflection.”
“May Almighty Allah, Most Gracious and Most Merciful, forgive President Buhari’s shortcomings and reward his efforts in service to the nation,” Obi said.
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala revealed she had just sent Buhari get-well wishes minutes before hearing of his death.
“Unbelievable! I am so very sad. May the soul of HE Muhammadu Buhari rest in perfect peace,” she posted.
With Buhari gone, the North faces questions about who can take up his role as a unifying figure and moral compass.
Former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai may be among those being mentioned as a potential torchbearer, alongside established figures like Atiku Abubakar and emerging forces within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition.
Meanwhile, The Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke has expressed his deep pain over the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing the late Nigerian leader as a patriot who contributed immensely to national development.
Governor Adeleke extends his heartfelt condolences to President Bola Tinubu on this devastating loss, saying that Nigeria has lost a distinguished leader who gave his all for the country’s progress.
The Governor also commiserated with former First Lady, Mrs Aishat Buhari, surviving children and immediate family who lost more than just a father and confidant, but an embodiment of integrity who brought so much difference to governance in Nigeria.
He also extends his sympathy to his counterpart in Katsina state, His Excellency Dikko Umar Radda, the Emir of Daura and the people of Katsina state, who lost a remarkable leader.
“It is with a heavy heart that I received the news of the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari in London, the United Kingdom.His contributions to national development will remain evergreen in the minds of all Nigerians.
“Throughout his lifetime, President Buhari was a watchword for integrity, inspiring honesty and selfless services in public service. Nigeria has lost one of its finest and I join in mourning a leader whose contributions to nation building is unquantifiable,”Governor Adeleke was quoted to have said in a condolences message.
Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed has described the late President Muhammadu Buhari as a simple head of state, whose life was marked by discipline and integrity.
In a statement by the Governor issued by his media advisor, Mukhtar Gidado on Sunday, Mohammed described Buhari as a statesman of uncommon integrity, discipline, and simplicity.
“His military and political career spanned decades of selfless sacrifice, including his service as Military Head of State from 1983 to 1985, and later as Nigeria’s democratically elected President from 2015 to 2023. His legacy is indelible, characterized by a strong anti-corruption stance, infrastructural renewal, agricultural revolution, and efforts to reposition Nigeria’s economy for growth and self-sufficiency.
Mohammed recalled with reverence his personal and professional interactions with the late President Buhari, describing him as “a patriotic elder statesman, firm in his convictions, calm in demeanor, yet unwavering in his commitment to national unity and good governance.
He acknowledged President Buhari’s efforts in stabilising Nigeria and promoting democratic values, especially during a time when the nation faced multiple challenges on various fronts.
He said that the late President’s humble lifestyle, and his belief in transparency and accountability serve as enduring examples for leaders at all levels of government. “His stoic demeanor and ability to maintain personal discipline, even at the height of political power, are attributes worthy of emulation by current and future generations.”
The Governor said that Bauchi State holds a special place in the history and journey of President Buhari, and his memory would remain evergreen in the hearts of the people. His passing according to Mohammed is not just a loss to his immediate family or to the people of Katsina State, but a monumental loss to the entire nation and Africa at large.
Also, The Chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and the Kwars State Governor, Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq has described the death of the former President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR as a profound loss and sadness to the Nigerian Nation’s
Abdulrazaq in a Statement , he personally signed in Sunday said the death is a significant depletion in the rank of Africa’s all-time great men.added that, Buhari was not just a former President or military leader; but a National political leader with profound moral courage, character, and amazing sense of duty.and would be remembered for his humility, strategic patience, and modest lifestyle.
He condoled with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on the painful loss of his dear friend, compatriot, immediate predecessor, and fellow party man.
“Our thoughts are also with Her Excellency, former First Lady Mrs Aishah Buhari, the family members at this difficult moment.” we commiserates with His Excellency,Governor Dikko Umar Radda and the people of Katsina State on this very sad development” Abdulrazaq said.
” LWe ask Allah, who gives and takes life, to ease the account of his servant,, widen and lighten up his grave, admit him to al-jannah firdaus, and bless the family, the Nation with the patience to go through this phase”. he noted
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, Reverend Joseph John Hayab, said the passing of the former president marks the end of a significant chapter in Nigeria’s political evolution.
He noted that although opinions were divided on some of Buhari’s policies while in office, there is no denying his strong sense of patriotism, discipline, and commitment to national unity.
According to Reverend Hayab, 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, urging 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.
Reverend Hayab commended President Bola Ahmed 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. He explained that while Nigerians may hold different views about his leadership, it is only proper to remember the former president with dignity and gratitude for his sacrifices.
President Muhammadu Buhari died in London at about 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, following a prolonged illness. President Tinubu has ordered that national flags be flown at half-staff in honour of the late statesman.
The Chairman, Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council & Co-Chairman, National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN), II Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, D. Litt, CFR, Ojaja II, The Ooni of Ife has received the news of the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR with a rude shock, describing it as the end of a remarkable chapter in Nigeria’s national history.
The Spiritual Leader of the Oduduwa worldwide believes that, while death is a divine passage that no man can escape, the revered monarch emphasized that kings and leaders of great legacy are not mourned, they are celebrated; for their footprints in the sands of time remain long after they have transitioned to the ancestral realm.
Ooni Ogunwusi in a statement by Moses Olafare, Director of Media and Public Affairs, extolls the late President Buhari as a resilient leader, a disciplined soldier, and an unrepentant patriot, whose life symbolized selfless service, firm belief in the unity of Nigeria, and a lifelong commitment to national development.
From the battlefield as a gallant military officer to the highest office in the land as Commander-in-Chief, President Buhari was a man who gave his all to the cause of the Nigerian nation.
Referring to a recent meeting with the former President, the Ooni stated that, “He was in a very high spirit, strong and jovial as usual as he attended to him with maximum courtesy. It is really shocking to realize that he is no more but I think that in itself is a lesson to everyone here on earth.
“As a true son of the North an esteemed elder statesman of the Nigerian federation a pan-African per excellence, Muhammadu Buhari stood for integrity, frugality, and unwavering devotion to the ideals of a better Nigeria. His place in our national consciousness remains etched in gold, and history will be kind to his memory,” Ooni remarked.
The Ooni of Ife further noted that though, President Buhari may have physically departed, his legacy as a nationalist, a reformer, and a bridge-builder between generations and ethnic divides lives on. The monarch urged Nigerians across tribes, religions, and political affiliations to draw inspiration from his firm belief in Nigeria’s unity and strive to uphold the values of peace, equity, and progress.
“On behalf of the Yoruba race, the entire House of Oduduwa worldwide and traditional institutions across the country, Ooni Ogunwusi offers heartfelt condolences to the Buhari family, Federal government of Nigeria, Kastina State Government, Associates, colleagues people of Daura Emirate community, people of Katsina State, and Nigerians across the world.
“May the Almighty God grant his departed soul eternal rest in Aljanah Firdaus and console his family and the loved ones he left behind”.
