Former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi has described the late former President Muhammadu Buhari as a leader motivated by a deep commitment to Nigeria’s success.
Buhari passed away on Sunday in a London clinic after a prolonged illness. He previously served as Nigeria’s military head of state from 1983 to 1985 and later as a civilian president from 2015 to 2023.
In a statement issued on Monday, Fayemi, who served as Minister of Solid Minerals Development during Buhari’s first term, praised the former president’s perseverance, noting that despite repeated setbacks in earlier presidential elections, Buhari never abandoned his democratic ambitions.
He also credited Buhari’s administration with initiating some of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in Nigeria’s history.
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He said Buhari is a “fundamentally good man, often misunderstood, yet driven by a genuine desire to see Nigeria succeed”.
“President Buhari’s life was defined by resilience and an unyielding belief in the Nigerian project,” Fayemi said.
“He contested and lost multiple presidential elections but never gave up on his commitment to the ideals he believed in.
“His eventual victory in 2015 and re-election in 2019 were testaments to his perseverance and the trust millions of Nigerians placed in his leadership.
“His administration undertook some of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in recent Nigerian history, including massive road constructions, the revitalisation of rail transport, and the Second Niger Bridge.
“He believed in building for the future, and his legacy in this regard will long outlive his time in office.
“History will be kinder to him than the moment allowed. He faced enormous trials, both as a man and as president, yet remained steadfast in his commitment to Nigeria’s unity and progress.”
