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From Adesuwa Tsan, Abuja
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has mourned the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as a towering statesman, a disciplined military officer, and a leader of deep moral integrity whose commitment to Nigeria’s unity and development will never be forgotten.
Buhari passed away on Sunday at a London clinic at the age of 82.
In a statement he personally signed on Sunday, Akpabio said he received the news of Buhari’s death with profound sadness, noting that the nation has lost a leader whose wise counsel was still sorely needed.
“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,” he said.
Akpabio extended condolences to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the government and people of Katsina State, and the family of the former President, especially his widow, Hajia Aisha Buhari, children, close associates, traditional and political leaders from Daura and Katsina, including Governor Dikko Umar Radda and the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Farouk Umar Farouk.
“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… over the passing of this great man,” Akpabio stated.
Reflecting on Buhari’s life and journey, Akpabio paid glowing tribute to the former military general who he said defied political odds and became the first opposition candidate to unseat a sitting president in Nigeria’s history during the 2015 general elections.
“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,” Akpabio remarked.
According to the Senate President, Buhari’s nickname “Mai Gaskiya,” which translates to “the honest one,” was not merely symbolic but rooted in the values the former president exemplified throughout his public life.
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“His life signified honesty, truth and justice; he was indeed, the real ‘Mai Gaskiya,’” the Senate President stated.
Akpabio, who served as Minister of Niger Delta Affairs under Buhari’s administration, said he had the privilege of working closely with the former leader and personally witnessed his austere lifestyle, dedication to service, and genuine concern for the welfare of ordinary Nigerians.
“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 and was a leader worth emulating because he meant well for Nigeria and did his best to advance the cause of the people,” he said.
Akpabio also hailed Buhari’s enduring popularity and his unmatched ability to connect with everyday Nigerians across ethnic and religious lines, crediting this to his resolute anti-corruption stance, love for national unity, and unflinching devotion to democratic ideals.
“Buhari commanded an unprecedented cult followership in the political history of Nigeria due to his characteristic stance against corruption, unrelenting pursuit of genuine democratic ideals and his staunch support for the unity and stability of the nation,” he noted.
“May God comfort the family and his loved ones during this difficult time and may we continue to draw inspiration from his service to our great nation,” Akpabio concluded.
“May Allah grant him Aljannatul Firdaus in his eternal kingdom.”
