Buhari’s death shocking, says Abbas 

From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja

The speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has said the demise of  former President Muhammadu Buhari was shocking.

Abbas, in a statement by his Special Adviser, on Media and Publicity, Musa Krishi, described the former President  as “one of the most patriotic Nigerians to have ever lived.” The speaker  said Buhari, who died at  82, devoted  most of his lifetime to the service of the country.

According to him, the former President was an officer and statesman, who  made a name for himself as ‘incorruptible’ and “lived a life defined by simplicity and a remarkable absence of materialism, virtues that earned him widespread respect and trust across the country.”

He recalled how  the deceased former Nigerian leader’s alliance with his successor, President Bola  Tinubu, and others to form the All Progressives Congress (APC) produced a  formidable force that sacked the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from power in 2015 after 16 years in government.

The news of the demise of former President Muhammadu Buhari was shocking to me. But we cannot question our Creator. All mortals shall taste death. May Allah (SWT) forgive his shortcomings and grant him Jannatul Firdaus.

“He was a fine officer of the Nigerian Army and politician of repute, who got to the peak of his military and political careers. He was disciplined, patriotic, modest, and upright. He served the nation most of his life in different capacities. Only a few Nigerians have the privilege to have so served their country.

“Buhari carved a niche for himself as an incorruptible leader, a man of integrity, and an unflinching commitment to nation-building. His life was also defined by uncommon simplicity,” Abbas stated.

The speaker, while commiserating with  the Buhari family, Emir of Daura, the people, and  government of his home state, Katsina, also condoled  the people of  Kaduna State where late Buhari lived most of his life.