The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen and his deputy, Hon. Benjamin Kalu have expressed shock over the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, describing him as one of the most patriotic Nigerians to have ever lived.
In his condolence message signed by his Special Adviser, Musa Krishi, Speaker Abbas said the former Nigerian leader, who was 82, used most of his lifetime to serve the country.
He described Buhari as 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 added that Buhari was one of the only two Nigerians to have been military head of state and democratically elected president under civilian rule (after Olusegun Obasanjo), describing it as a rare privilege to serve the country.
Abbas recalled Buhari’s cult followership, especially in the North as a politician, which he attributed to the former president’s disciplinary and upright personality.
The speaker also recalled how ex-President Buhari’s alliance with his successor, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and others to form the All Progressives Congress (APC) was a formidable force that sacked the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from power in 2015 after 16 years in government.
Speaker Abbas said it is painful that Buhari, who chose to have his deserved rest after eight years as president, has now gone to have eternal rest.
“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,” the Speaker said.
Speaker Abbas commiserated the Buhari family, Emir of Daura, the people, and the government of his home state, Katsina, and extended the condolences to Kaduna State, where he lived most of his life.
Similarly, Deputy Speaker Kalu, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu described the loss as a significant blow not only to Nigeria but also to the international community, given President Buhari’s contributions to global progress.
Kalu recalled former President Buhari’s legacies, highlighting his integrity, loathing for indiscipline, and other notable achievements, including the “rice revolution.”
He also emphasised the importance of leadership, service, and dedication to citizens’ welfare, referencing President Buhari’s example.
Kalu extended his heartfelt condolences to President Buhari’s immediate family, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), political allies, friends, and the entire nation.
He said: “It is with profound sadness that I received the news of the passing of His Excellency, Former President Mohammadu Buhari, GCFR.
“This loss is felt not only by the nation but by the entire international community, given the former President’s significant contributions to our collective progress.
“President Buhari’s legacies both as a former Head of State and President at different times will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations. Remarkable was the virtue of integrity which defined his private life and characterized his public conduct. From what we knew about him, he loathed indiscipline as a former Head of Military Government.
“Leading the country as a democratically elected President, President Buhari will be remembered for his rice revolution among other achievements.
“As we reflect on his life and achievements, I am reminded of the importance of leadership, service, and dedication to the welfare of our citizens.
“May we draw strength from his example as we continue to work towards building a better future for all Nigerians.
“On behalf of the good of Bende Federal Constituency of Abia State, I extend my deepest condolences to the immediate family, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress (APC), political allies, friends, and the entire nation.
“May the Almighty grant his soul eternal rest and comfort his family and the nation during this difficult time”.
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