The death of former President Muhammadu Buhari has continued to draw an outpouring of condolences from across the country, with prominent Nigerians paying heartfelt tributes to the late leader.
Buhari, who passed away on Sunday in London at the age of 82 after a prolonged illness, was remembered for his decades-long service to Nigeria as both a military and civilian leader.
Reacting to the news, Femi Fani-Kayode, former Minister of Aviation and one-time presidential spokesperson, described Buhari’s death as the loss of a distinguished statesman.
“A great and proud son of Nigeria has passed on today. May the soul of President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR rest in peace,” Fani-Kayode said in a solemn statement shared on social media.
Similarly, Reno Omokri, former media aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, offered prayers for the repose of Buhari’s soul and comfort for the bereaved family.
“From God we came and to Him we return. My family and I pray that Almighty God grants President Muhammadu Buhari al-Jannah firdaus. May his sins be forgiven, and may As-Sami, السميع, (The All-Hearing) grant his family the fortitude to bear their loss,” Omokri stated.
Reflecting on Buhari’s legacy, Omokri acknowledged the late president’s service to the nation through turbulent and peaceful times.
“He served Nigeria in peacetime and war and left a legacy that was worthy of emulation in many areas,” he said.
Buhari served as Nigeria’s military Head of State between 1984 and 1985 and later returned to power as a democratically elected President in 2015, securing re-election in 2019. He handed over to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2023.
President Tinubu has since ordered national flags flown at half-staff and directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to travel to the United Kingdom to accompany Buhari’s body back to Nigeria.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming days.
