…Demise shocking, devastating — Gov Abiodun
Segun Ayinde
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has mourned the passing of his successor, Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as a patriot who did his best to advance Nigeria’s progress and development.
Buhari, Nigeria’s former military and civilian president, died on Sunday at a hospital in London, United Kingdom, where he had been receiving treatment for an undisclosed illness.
Reacting to the news in a statement released on Sunday in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Obasanjo said he received the news of Buhari’s death with a heavy heart.
“It is with a heavy heart that I received this afternoon the passing of a colleague, a comrade, and a cool patriot — General Muhammadu Buhari.
“As a soldier, he played his role. As an administrator, he played his role. And as a statesman, he played his role. He will surely be missed,” Obasanjo said.
“At a time like this, we need the totality of experience and the statesmanship of all those who have led this country to help us overcome our current challenges. May his soul rest in perfect peace.”
In a similar vein, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun expressed profound shock at the former president’s passing, describing it as devastating.
In a statement issued in Abeokuta, Abiodun said that although death is inevitable, Buhari’s passing was unexpected and painful.
“Former President Muhammadu Buhari dead? It is hard to process this news at the moment,” he said.
“We had expected, like he did in the past, that he would pull through. But we take comfort in the fact that he left great imprints on the sands of time.”
READ ALSO: IBB Pays Emotional Tribute to Buhari, Calls Him a Patriot, Moral Compass
Describing Buhari as a gallant soldier and a committed patriot, the governor said:
“His civilian 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.
“Though his time as military Head of State had the usual elements of authoritarianism, he reinvented himself and governed Nigeria for two terms as an elected president, recording monumental achievements, especially in infrastructure — from road to rail.”
Abiodun added that Buhari was affable, witty, and humble, and even his critics acknowledged that he never sought public office for personal gain.
“President Buhari was particularly fond of Ogun State, where he began his life as a young officer. He was always excited to inaugurate and celebrate the achievements of our administration.”
He extended condolences to Buhari’s widow, Aisha Buhari, the people and Government of Katsina State, the Daura Emirate, and the Nigerian Army.
“I also 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,” Abiodun said.