*Directs Shettima to bring hos body home from London
By Chesa Chesa
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Sunday ordered Vice President Kashim Shettima to proceed to the United Kingdom to accompany former President Muhammadu Buhari’s body back to Nigeria.
This was shortly after Tinubu announced the passing of his predecessor, Buhari, who in London earlier in the day at about 4.30 pm, following a prolonged illness.
“President Tinubu has spoken with Mrs Aisha Buhari, the former President’s widow and offered his deep condolences”, a statement issued by presidential spokesman, Bayou Onanuga, also announced.
Buhari was twice elected Nigeria’s President in 2015 and 2019, having also served as military head of state between January 1984 and August 1985.
President Tinubu further ordered flags at half-staff as a mark of respect for the departed leader.
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Deputy Senate President pays tribute to Buhari
By Abbanobi-Eku Onyekachi
The Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, has paid a heartfelt tribute to former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on Sunday in London at the age of 82.
In a press statement on Sunday by Ismail Mudashir, the Special Adviser to the Deputy Senate President on Media and Publicity, Barau described Buhari as a champion of peace and unity, who served Nigeria with dedication and patriotism.
He stated that the late leader had a clear vision for Nigeria’s progress and worked tirelessly to promote the country’s unity, security, and development.
He praised President Buhari’s discipline, resilience, and commitment to public service, saying that he was a towering figure in Nigerian history.
He acknowledged the former President’s contributions to the nation, both as a military ruler and as a democratically elected leader.
Senator Barau prayed for the late President’s soul to rest in peace and offered condolences to his wife, Aisha Buhari, and their family.
HiHe asked that Allah grant them the strength to bear the loss of their beloved patriarch.
The tribute underscores the significant impact President Buhari had on Nigerian history and politics, and his legacy will likely continue to shape the nation’s trajectory.
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Northern Governors’ Forum mourns Buhari
The Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing his death as a profound national loss.
In a condolence message personally signed by the NSGF Chairman and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, the Forum said Buhari’s demise marks a moment of great mourning for Nigeria, especially the northern region.
“President Muhammadu Buhari was an iconic figure whose life embodied discipline, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the service of Nigeria,” Yahaya stated.
He highlighted the late President’s distinguished career—spanning his early years as a military officer, his tenure as Head of State from 1984 to 1985, and his two-term presidency from 2015 to 2023—as a testament to his steadfast leadership and patriotic dedication.
“To us in the Northern Governors’ Forum, President Buhari was not just a national icon, but also a mentor and moral compass who stood firm on the principles of accountability, transparency, and good governance,” he said.
“Buhari mentored with humility, governed with courage, and lived a life marked by simplicity and patriotism. His death has created a huge vacuum that will be deeply felt across every sector of our national life.”
Governor Yahaya, on behalf of the Forum, extended condolences to the former President’s family, the Daura Emirate, the government and people of Katsina State, and the entire nation.
“We pray that Almighty Allah, in His infinite mercy, forgives his shortcomings and grants him eternal rest in Aljannatul Firdaus,” the statement concluded.
