Obasanjo, Babangida, Osinbajo Mourn Buhari at 82

Leading Nigerian officials have conveyed their profound grief on the departure of former President Muhammadu Buhari, calling it a major setback for the nation.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo acknowledged Buhari’s service as a statesman and soldier, recalling his contribution to Nigeria’s leadership development. The Katsina-born leader passed away at a time when the country could have profited from his experience, according to Obasanjo, who led Nigeria as a military leader from 1976 to 1979 and again as an elected president from 1999 to 2007.

“This afternoon, I learned of the passing of Gen. Muhammad Buhari, a colleague, comrade, and fellow patriot who served the country as a statesman, an administrator, and a soldier. He fulfilled his roles as all three.” His passing is a huge loss to the country because, at times like these, we need the combined wisdom—or, if I may use that term, the statesmanship—of all those who have had the chance to lead this nation in the past to help us escape our current predicament.
Obasanjo said, “May his soul rest in perfect peace. He would be sorely missed.”
In a similar vein, former Military President Ibrahim Babangida (retd.) expressed his sorrow over Buhari’s passing while reminiscing about their shared military history and close friendship.
“With a very heavy heart, I received the news of the passing of my friend, my brother, my course mate, and a fellow soldier in the journey of nationhood, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR,” Babangida said in his tribute. When we both enrolled in the Nigerian Military Training College in Kaduna in 1962, our paths met. Muhammadu distinguished himself from those early days by being modest but moral, quiet but determined, intensely patriotic, and fiercely devoted to Nigeria.

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We experienced hardships and tribulations, hopes and setbacks, triumphs and times of introspection together over the years. In addition to military training, our mutual dedication to the principles of discipline, service, and patriotism strengthened our friendship,” he said.
Yemi Osinbajo, the former vice president, too expressed sorrow for the deceased leader, calling Buhari a patriot who exemplified integrity and discipline. Osinbajo, who worked under Buhari from 2015 to 2023, claimed that the news of Buhari’s passing, which happened in a hospital in London on Sunday, profoundly affected him and his wife Dolapo.
“Dolapo and I received, with profound sadness, the news of the passing of His Excellency, former President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, this afternoon,” Osinbajo wrote in his message. In order to convey our sincere condolences and to share in the profound sorrow of their cherished family member, with whom we had the privilege of serving our country for eight unforgettable years, we spoke with Her Excellency Aisha Buhari and their son Yusuf Buhari in the minutes that followed.
Osinbajo continued, “Nigeria has lost a true patriot, a man whose life was marked by unwavering devotion to the nation he loved,” in reference to Buhari’s passing.
President Buhari’s legacy will live on as evidence of the dignity of public service, which is characterized by integrity, self-control, and a steadfast dedication to the common good.
Osinbajo prayed for Buhari’s family and the country as he wrapped off his homage.
We ask the All-Powerful God to give his family and everyone grieving his loss courage and consolation. May God always bless his memory.
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