Senate President Godswill Akpabio has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as a patriotic leader who served Nigeria with unwavering dedication.
Buhari died on Sunday in a London clinic at the age of 82.
In a statement personally signed by him, Akpabio extended condolences to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the government and people of Katsina State, and the late president’s family.
“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,” Akpabio said.
Reflecting on his time serving under Buhari as a minister, Akpabio noted: “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.”
He described Buhari as “a fine military officer that served Nigeria with zeal and patriotism and, upon retirement, transitioned into a democratic icon.”
Akpabio praised the late president’s historic 2015 electoral victory as the first opposition candidate to defeat a sitting president in 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; he was indeed, the real ‘Mai Gaskiya’,” he added.
