President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has expressed profound sadness over the passing of the immediate past president, Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as “a supporter of the country’s unity.“
Senator Akpabio described the departed former President as “a fine military officer who served Nigeria with zeal and patriotism”.
Former Nigerian leader Buhari died on Sunday at a London clinic at the age of 82.
The Senate President, in a statement personally signed by him, condoled with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the government and people of Katsina State, and Gen. Buhari’s immediate family over the demise of the former president.
Senator Akpabio said, Buhari commanded an unprecedented cult followership in the political history of Nigeria due to his characteristic stance against corruption, unrelenting pursuit of genuine democratic ideals and his staunch support for the unity and stability of the nation.
“Having worked closely with former President Buhari as a minister under his administration, I can attest to the fact that he lived a Spartan life, thinking about the welfare of the people, especially the less privileged and was a leader worth emulating because he meant well for Nigeria and did his best to advance the cause of the people.”
He described the departed former president as “a fine military officer who served Nigeria with zeal and patriotism and, upon retirement, transitioned to a democratic icon.
“Through hard work, patience, uncommon resilience and discipline, Gen. Buhari became the first opposition candidate to defeat a sitting president in the history of Nigeria.
“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.”
Also mourning the former president, Deputy Senate President Senator Barau Jibrin, in a statement by his media aide, Ismail Mudashir, described Buhari as an untiring promoter of peace and unity in Nigeria.
“President Buhari was not just a towering figure in our nation’s history but a man whose life embodied discipline, resilience, and patriotism,” Senator Barau said.
He said that Buhari’s leadership, first as a military ruler from 1983 to 1985 and then as a democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023, was guided by a clear vision for Nigeria’s unity and development.
“May Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him Jannatul Firdaus. I offer condolences to his beloved wife, Her Excellency Aisha Buhari, their children, and all family members. May Allah give them the strength to bear this irreparable loss,” he prayed.
In his tribute, former President of the Senate, Senator Ahmad Lawan, said Buhari’s passing marked the end of an era defined by steadfast leadership and national service.
“As a fellow servant of the people, I am deeply shaken by this loss. I had the privilege of working closely with him during our time in the 9th National Assembly,” Senator Lawan said.
He described Buhari’s leadership as exemplary, marked by integrity, strategic foresight, and a strong commitment to national security and economic stability.
“I witnessed firsthand his tireless efforts to steer Nigeria through challenging times, always putting national interest above personal gain. Our collaborative efforts in the Senate were anchored in mutual respect and a shared desire to address the needs of our people,” he added.
Senator Lawan extended condolences to Buhari’s family, President Tinubu, the people of Katsina State, and the All Progressives Congress (APC), urging Nigerians to honour Buhari’s memory by upholding the values he lived by.
“His life’s work has left an indelible mark on our nation. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” Senator Lawan remarked.