The Pesident of the Senate Godswill Akpabio has expressed profound sadness over the passing of immediate past President Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as a statesman and leader of great integrity.
Buhari passed away on Sunday at a London Clinic at the age of 82 years.
The Senate President in a statement signed by him condoled with President Bola Tinubu, the government and people of Katsina state, and the deceased’s immediate family over the passing of the former president.
“It is with profound sadness that I received the news of the passing of His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari, former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“I am deeply pained that he died when his wise counsel was needed most in this country.
“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 to the family of the late President, especially his wife, Hajia Aisha Buhari, and the children.
“I also extend my condolences to friends and political associates, particularly President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Gov. Dikko Umar Radda, the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Farouk Umar Farouk, people of Katsina state and Nigeria generally, over the passing of this great man,” Akpabio said.
He described the departed former President as a fine military officer that served Nigeria with zeal and patriotism, and upon retirement, transited to becoming a democracy icon.
“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. “
His life signified honesty, truth, and justice,” Akpabio added.
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.
“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.
“He was a leader worth emulating because he meant well for Nigeria and did his best to advance the cause of the people.
“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.
“May Allah grant him Aljannatul Firdaus in his eternal kingdom,” the senate president said.
