Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has paid heartfelt tribute to the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as a patriotic leader who did his best to advance Nigeria’s progress and development.
In a statement released on Sunday through his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, Obasanjo expressed deep sadness over Buhari’s death, which he called a personal loss and a loss to the nation.
“It is with a heavy heart that I received the news of the passing of a colleague, comrade, and true patriot, General Muhammadu Buhari,” Obasanjo said.
Reflecting on Buhari’s legacy, Obasanjo praised his service to Nigeria in various capacities:
“He played his role as a soldier, an administrator, and a statesman among many other responsibilities he undertook.”
Obasanjo also highlighted the importance of collective leadership, especially from those who have led Nigeria in the past, to help address the country’s current challenges:
“At a time like this, we need the combined experience and statesmanship of all those who have had the opportunity to run the affairs of this country to help us move forward.”
He concluded his tribute by praying for the late president’s peaceful rest:
“Buhari will be sorely missed, and may his soul rest in perfect peace.”
Muhammadu Buhari, who served as Nigeria’s military Head of State from 1984 to 1985 and later as a democratically elected President from 2015 to 2023, passed away in London at the age of 82 after a brief illness.
