Senate President Godswill Akpabio has stated that the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari has robbed Nigeria of a leader whose life was defined by integrity, patriotism, and commitment to national development.
In a personally signed statement on Sunday, Akpabio described Buhari as “a statesman and leader of great integrity”, adding that his death came at a time when the country needed his wise counsel the most.
His words: “It is with profound sadness that I received the news of the passing of His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, former president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“I am deeply pained that he died when his wise counsel is needed most in this country.”
Buhari died on Sunday at a clinic in London at the age of 82.
Akpabio condoled with President Bola Tinubu, the government and people of Katsina state, and the family of the late president, including his wife, Aisha Buhari, and their children.
“On behalf of my family and constituents, the 10th senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the entire National Assembly, I extend my deepest condolences to the family of the late president, especially his wife, Hajia Aisha Buhari, and the children, friends and political associates,” he said.
He also extended his sympathies to Governor Dikko Radda, the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Farouk Umar Farouk, and Nigerians generally.
Akpabio described Buhari as “a fine military officer who served Nigeria with zeal and patriotism” and who later became a “democratic icon”.
He further stated: “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’.”
The Senate President praised Buhari’s popularity, saying he commanded an “unprecedented cult followership” in Nigeria’s political history.
He said the former president earned this status through his anti-corruption stance, belief in democratic ideals, and his strong support for national unity and stability.
“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.
“He was a leader worth emulating because he meant well for Nigeria and did his best to advance the cause of the people,” Akpabio said.
He prayed for comfort for Buhari’s family and asked that Allah grant him eternal rest.