…Orders Flags Flown At Half Mast
…It’s unbelievable – Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala Reacts
…Abiodun, Ibori, Bala Mohammed, Tambuwal, Makinde, Ben Murray-Bruce, Others Mourn Buhari, Say His Invaluable Contributions To Nigeria’s Unity Won’t Be Forgotten
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has confirmed the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who died in London on Saturday following prolonged illness.
According to a statement released by the Presidency, Buhari passed away at about 4:30 p.m., bringing an end to a period of medical treatment in the United Kingdom.
President Tinubu, who has spoken with the former First Lady, Aishat Buhari, to offer his condolences, has directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to travel to the UK to accompany the body back to Nigeria.
The statement reads, “President Tinubu announces President Buhari’s passing, orders VP Shettima to the UK to accompany body back home.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced the passing of his predecessor, President Muhammadu Buhari.
“President Buhari died today in London at about 4.30 pm, following a prolonged illness.
“President Tinubu has spoken with Mrs Aishat Buhari, the former President’s widow and offered his deep condolences.
“President Tinubu has also ordered Vice President Kashim Shettima to proceed to the United Kingdom to accompany President Muhammadu Buhari’s body back to Nigeria.
“Former President Buhari was twice elected Nigeria’s President in 2015 and 2023.
“He also served as military head of state between January 1984 and August 1985.
“President Tinubu has ordered flags at half-staff as a mark of respect for the departed leader.
Meanwhile, former Delta State governor, Chief James Ibori, has expressed sadness over the death of Nigeria’s former immediate past president, Muhammadu Buhari which sad event took place on Sunday 13th of July in London at the age of 82.
In a statement on Sunday, Ibori who described Buhari as a patriot added that his unwavering commitment to the unity of Nigeria was evident during his service to the nation first as a soldier, Head of State and then as a democratically elected president.
According to him, Buhari was a selfless, disciplined and patriotic Nigerian who lived a worthy and exemplary life.
He added that Buhari’s invaluable contributions to the socio-political development of the country remains unequalled and will not be forgotten.
While condoling with President Bola Tinubu, former First Lady, Aisha Buhari and entire Nigerians, Ibori said the late Buhari was a hero and a great son of Nigeria whose life has been a life devoted to the service of his fatherland.
“It is indeed my hope and prayer that God Almighty, will comfort his dear family, give them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss and grant him eternal rest. ”
In the same vein, the Director General of the World Health Organization, WTO, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has described the death of former Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari as unbelievable.
Reacting, Okonjo-Iweala said she never knew Buhari was ill, stressing that she only discovered after his death was announced.
Posting on X, the WTO DG wrote: “Unbelievable! I did not know just how ill and minutes after sending my get well wishes I have just learned that he passed away.
“I am so very sad. May the Soul of HE @MBuhari rest in perfect peace. My deepest condolences to the entire Buhari family and his close aides and associates.
“I am just learning of HE President Buhari’s @MBuhari health situation. Your Excellency we all pray for your good health and speedy recovery.
“I appreciate the support you gave me in my current position during your time in office. Wishing you the very best.”
Also, the Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, has expressed shock over the demise of former Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari, saying the news left him devastated.
Abiodun, in a statement issued in Abeokuta, said even though death is a bill that all mortals must pay, the death of the former President came as a rude shock.
He described Buhari as a gallant soldier and patriot whose commitment to the Nigerian cause shone through, adding that his Presidency was enabled by his record as a scrupulously honest, no-nonsense General who believed that no national progress could be achieved without discipline and accountability.
Abiodun said: “Former President Muhammadu Buhari dead? It is hard to process this news at the moment. We had expected, like he did in the past, that he would pull through at this time, but we take profound comfort in the fact that he left great imprints on the sands of time.
“Both as military Head of State and as civilian president, Buhari made accountability his watchword.
“Although his time as military Head of State had the usual elements of leadership style that is not acceptable in a democracy, it is significant that Buhari was able to reinvent himself and govern Nigeria for two terms as elected president, recording monumental achievements in infrastructure, from road to rail.
“As a person, he was straightforward, affable, witty, and of a humble disposition. Even his severest critics will readily admit that he did not seek public office for personal gratification.
“President Buhari was particularly fond of Ogun State, where he began his life as a young officer, and was excited to inaugurate and celebrate the achievements of our administration.
“I commiserate with his immediate family, including his beloved wife, Hajia Aisha Buhari, the people and Government of Katsina State, the Daura Emirate, and the Nigerian Army.
“I commiserate with President Bola Tinubu who has lost a friend and comrade in the struggle for a better Nigeria. May Almighty Allah grant him Aljanat Firdaus.”
More so, former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode, has reacted to the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Reacting, Fani-Kayode described Buhari as a great and proud son of Nigeria.
Posting on X, he wrote: “A great and proud son of Nigeria has passed on today. May the soul of President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR rest in peace.”
On his part, a former presidential media aide, Reno Omokri, said Buhari’s legacies was worth emulating.
Omokri prayed that God would grant Buhari’s family the fortitude to bear the loss.
“From God we came and to Him we return. My family and I pray that Almighty God grants President Muhammadu Buhari al-Jannah firdaus.
‘May his sins be forgiven, and may As-Sami, (The All-Hearing) grant his family the fortitude to bear their loss.
“He served Nigeria in peacetime and war and left a legacy that was worthy of emulation in many areas,” he posted on X.
Ex-Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, prayed for the repose of Buhari.
“President Muhammadu Buhari;May Allah forgive his soul and grant him Aljanna firdausi.Amin.
Inna lillahi wainna Illayhir rajiun,” he posted on X.
Furthermore, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Sunday, expressed his condolences to President Bola Tinubu on the death of his predecessor in office, former President Muhammadu Buhari.
He equally commiserated with “the wife of the former president, Aisha Buhari and his entire family, praying to God to grant repose to his soul.”
Makinde, in a statement released on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Media, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, in Ibadan, the state capital, described Buhari’s death as unexpected, noting, however, that “The former president made his mark in serving the country.”
He prayed that God would give his family the fortitude to bear the loss, while also granting the former Military Head of State Aljanah Firdaus.
The Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has expressed sorrow over the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
In a statement, posted on his official Facebook handle on Sunday, Bala acknowledged, “President Buhari was a great leader who served Nigeria with commitment and a deep sense of duty.
“His contributions to national development and his steadfastness in leadership will be remembered.”
He prayed that Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus.
Former presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the 2023 general election, Prince Adewole Adebayo, has profoundly expressed his condolence.
In his verified X (former Twitter) platform, Adebayo, who is the leader of the party, prayed for the repose of the former president’s soul.
He said: “I profoundly mourn the passing of our former President and General, Muhammad Buhari GCFR who died today in London UK. I offer prayers of comfort to his family and all Nigerians. I pray for Allah SWT to forgive him all his shortcomings and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus, Ameen Summa Ameen.”
Former senator, Ben Murray-Bruce, has expressed his condolences following the death of erstwhile Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari.
He shared his reaction in a statement posted on his official X page.
“I have just received the sad news of the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, who died today in London,” Murray-Bruce wrote.
Describing the late President as “a towering figure in Nigeria’s history,” Murray-Bruce praised Buhari’s personal qualities.
“President Buhari was a man of immense discipline, integrity, and unwavering belief in the unity of our nation.
“While we may have differed on many political issues, I have always respected his patriotism and commitment to national service.”
He also offered prayers for Buhari’s soul and comfort for his family and compatriots.
“May God forgive his shortcomings, and reward his efforts for Nigeria,” Murray-Bruce said.
“My thoughts and prayers are with his family, the people of Katsina, and the entire nation during this solemn moment.”