Nigerian Governors pay tributes to Buhari

 

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum, in a statement signed by its chairman, AbdulRaman AbdulRazaq, on Sunday stated, “The Nigeria Governors’ Forum receives with a profound sense of loss and sadness the death of His Excellency former President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, in London, on Sunday, July 13, 2025 - 247 Yawa Trends news

“This death is a significant depletion in the rank of Africa’s all-time great men. Muhammadu Buhari was not just a former President or military leader; he was a national political leader with profound moral courage, character, and amazing sense of duty. He would be remembered for his humility, strategic patience, and modest lifestyle.

“We send our deepest condolences to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on the painful loss of his dear friend, compatriot, immediate predecessor, and fellow party man.”

Nigerian Governors under the All Progressives Congress in a condolence message signed by the chairman of the forum and Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, said the forum extended its heartfelt condolences to all Nigerians and the family of the late former President.

 “With the passing of President Buhari, Nigeria bids farewell to one of its most emblematic figures of honest and dedicated leadership; an era shaped by integrity, patriotism, and uncommon sacrifice,” Uzodimma said.

The Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Yahaya, in a message signed by him, described described Buhari’s death as a loss to the entire nation.

“President Muhammadu Buhari was an iconic figure whose life embodied discipline, integrity and a steadfast commitment to the service of Nigeria.

“His legacy is one of sacrifice, selflessness, and steadfast commitment to the unity, security and progress of our dear country.

“To us in the Northern Governors’ Forum, President Buhari was not just a national icon, but also a mentor and moral compass that stood firm on the principles of accountability, transparency and good governance. He mentored with humility, governed with courage and lived a life marked by simplicity and patriotism,” he stated.

In a statement, Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, said, “Former President Muhammadu Buhari dead? It is hard to process this news at the moment. We had expected, like he did in the past, that he would pull through at this time, but we take profound comfort in the fact that he left great imprints on the sands of time.

“Both as military Head of State and as civilian President, Buhari made accountability his watchword. Although his time as military Head of State had the usual elements of leadership style that is not acceptable in a democracy, it is significant that Buhari was able to reinvent himself and govern Nigeria for two terms as elected President, recording monumental achievements in infrastructure, from road to rail.”

Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed stated, “President Buhari was a great leader who served Nigeria with commitment and a deep sense of duty.  His contributions to national development and his steadfastness in leadership will be remembered.”

Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, said “Nigeria has lost a statesman. History has gained a legend.”

He added, “It is with profound sorrow and complete submission to the will of Almighty Allah that we receive the news of the passing of one of Nigeria’s most revered sons — President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR.

 “A towering figure in our national life: he was a soldier, statesman, reformer, and, above all, a beloved leader of the people.”

Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, also commiserated with the nation over the death of the former President.

He noted that Buhari, during his remarkable service, left indelible marks on the nation’s history, insisting that the former President served Nigeria with unwavering courage and conviction, consistently prioritising the nation’s interests and the well-being of its people.

The governor added, “The country will miss a statesman, a patriot, and a leader who committed his entire life to the service of Nigeria.”

“President Buhari lived with quiet dignity and unwavering commitment to the service of Nigeria. His courage in confronting corruption and insisting on accountability in public life inspired millions. A man of spartan simplicity and deep faith, he remained grounded in the values of justice and fairness, always aligning himself with the hopes and struggles of the ordinary Nigerian — the talakawa, whom he championed with conviction,” Sani added.

The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Kebbi State, Ahmed Idris, said, “On behalf of the governor and good people of Kebbi State, we joined Nigerians in mourning the loss of the immediate past president of the country, President Muhammadu Buhari, May Almighty Allah forgives his shortcomings.”

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, in a statement, said, “The late former President was a true patriot, a disciplined leader, and a man of unwavering integrity who dedicated his life to the service of Nigeria. It is with a heavy heart that we received the news of the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari.”

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, stated, “We have lost a great leader. This is indeed a monumental loss to Nigeria in particular and Africa as a whole”.

According to Governor Oyebanji, the late Buhari did not only serve the country meritoriously right from his youthful days as a military officer, he lived an exemplary life of selfless service to the nation and led the nation at two different periods – as a military head of state and two-term President and Commander-in-Chief, where he put in his very best.

The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, commiserated with the wife of the former President, Aisha Buhari, and his family, praying to God to grant repose to his soul.

Makinde, in a statement by his Special Adviser (Media) Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, made available to newsmen on Sunday, described Buhari’s death as unexpected, noting that the former President made his mark in serving the country.

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Also, the Interim National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress, Rauf Aregbesola, in a statement on his official Facebook page said Nigeria had lost a statesman who had a strong belief in the country’s potential as a united nation.

Aregbesola stated, “Today we bid farewell to President Muhammadu Buhari, a leader who served Nigeria with deep conviction and unwavering principle. His commitment to integrity and national unity defined his public service.

“Nigeria has lost a statesman who believed deeply in our potential as one nation. We have gained the enduring example of a leader who remained true to his values.”

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, described the deceased as one of the most patriotic Nigerians to have ever lived.

In a condolence message signed by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Musa Krishi, Abbas 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 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.

The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, added, “President Buhari was not just a towering figure in our nation’s history but a man whose life embodied discipline, resilience, and patriotism. Throughout his lifetime, he was committed to Nigeria’s unity, security and development.”

Former Governor of Sokoto State and Senator representing Sokoto North, Senator Aliyu Wamakko, stated, “Nigeria has lost one of its most iconic and selfless leaders—an incorruptible patriot, a disciplined statesman, and a symbol of integrity who dedicated his entire life to the service of our nation with honour, courage, and unshakable commitment.”

The Interim National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, Senator David Mark, expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Nigeria’s immediate past President, Muhammadu Buhari.

In a statement through his media aide, Paul Mumeh, Senator Mark noted, “Nigeria has lost a hero, an uncommon patriot and a selfless leader who gave his all for the good of our nation. The greatest sacrifice which would be difficult to fault was his love for this country, particularly, her unity.”

The President of the Ninth Senate, Senator Ahmad Lawan, described the news of the death as a sad and shaking event.

“As a fellow servant of the people, I am deeply shaken by this loss, having had the privilege of working closely with him during our time in the 9th National Assembly. Our collaboration was marked by mutual respect and a shared vision for a stronger, more unified Nigeria, where every decision was guided by the welfare of our citizens.

“President Buhari’s leadership was exemplary, characterised by his resolute integrity, strategic foresight, and dedication to national security and economic stability. I witnessed firsthand his tireless efforts to steer our country through challenging times, always prioritising the greater good over personal gain.”

An APC stalwart in Akwa Ibom State, Group Captain Sam Ewang (retd.), said, “Buhari’s death is shocking, he did not look like someone who was ill, but suddenly i just heard that he slumped in a medical facility. God knows everything, may his soul rest in perfect peace.”

The lawmaker representing Delta Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Senator Ede Dafinone, in a signed statement made available to journalists in Warri on Sunday noted that  ex-President Buhari’s “legacy of service will be remembered for his strong stance on anti-corruption, his focus on national security, and his commitment to infrastructure development.”

“Above all, he stood for discipline, integrity, and the enduring unity of our country,” he added.

Former Governor of Plateau State and Senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District Simon Lalong said he received with shock the passing of former President Buhari.

In a statement on Sunday, Lalong said, “As a democrat, President Buhari again demonstrated his confidence and passion for the nation when he contested elections severally before eventually emerging successful in 2025.”

The former Plateau governor added that he enjoyed close working relationship with the former President during his tenure and continues to value the lessons, experience and wisdom he gained working with him.

A former Governor of Kaduna State and ex-National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Senator Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi, said,

“President Buhari’s services to Nigeria across time will not be forgotten by many generations of our people. From the fight he fought for the preservation of the unity and integrity of the country as a young officer of the Nigerian Army, to his stints as Military Governor of the then North Eastern State and later Borno State, Minister of Petroleum, GOC, Head of State as well as Executive Chairman of the defunct Petroleum Trust Fund and lately as a two-term President, he demonstrated total commitment to the country and humanity,” Makarfi said.

Also, a chieftain of the Arewa Consultative Forum, Anthony Sani, has expressed sadness over the demise of Nigeria’s immediate past President, Mr Muhammadu Buhari.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the former ACF Secretary General said, “Former President Buhari may be no more but no one can fill the void he has left behind. But in a way, he is very much around, since he needs no tombstone to remind us of his legacy.

“The demise of former President Buhari is a huge loss not only to his loved ones but to the whole country.”

The northern chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria described Buhari as a father figure whose leadership left a lasting imprint on the nation’s history.

In a statement issued in Kaduna on Sunday, the Chairman of Northern CAN, Rev. Joseph Hayab, said Buhari’s passing marked the end of a significant era in Nigeria’s political evolution.

“Though opinions were divided on some of his policies while in office, no one can take away from him his patriotism, discipline and desire for a united Nigeria,” Hayab stated.

“He was a statesman who launched the famous ‘War Against Indiscipline and Corruption.’ His contributions will remain subjects of national discourse for a long time.”