Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as a “true democrat” and a man of unwavering integrity.
In a heartfelt statement issued on Monday, July 14, Amaechi said he was shocked by the news of Buhari’s death in a London hospital on Sunday at the age of 82.
“I have been in deep shock since the dastardly news of the death of my boss and former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari, broke out on Sunday afternoon, July 13, 2025,” he said.
Amaechi, who also served as Governor of Rivers State, praised Buhari as a “detribalised gentleman whose passion for the betterment of Nigeria was second to none.”
He recalled his time working closely with the late president, describing him as “an epitome of humility whose legacy and everything he stood for would find a better place in the annals of the country’s history.”
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Amaechi also commended Buhari’s commitment to unity and nation-building, adding, “I am already nostalgic about his unwavering commitment to the stability and the unity of Nigeria. His sense of patriotism and sincerity of purpose was infectious.”
“President Muhammadu Buhari was a man whose words at all times were his bond. Despite being a retired Army General and a war veteran, President Buhari was meek in a true sense of it. His leadership quality was infectious, yet a very humorous personality,” he added.
Calling on young Nigerians to draw inspiration from Buhari’s life, Amaechi said, “I personally regret his passing because the coming generation would have seen him as a great source of inspiration to draw lessons from his leadership style. I will wish younger Nigerians to learn from his modest lifestyle and his uncompromising integrity.”
He continued, “He was one leader who hated corruption with passion. He never accumulated wealth by using his privileged position, as is most common among some leaders of today.”
“While we continue to mourn his painful passing, let me join millions of his admirers and other well-meaning citizens of the world to condole his bereaved family and Nigerians in general. May his soul rest in peace,” Amaechi stated.