Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has described the late former President Muhammadu Buhari as a patriot who dedicated his life to the progress and development of Nigeria.
Obasanjo noted that despite the various challenges the nation faced under Buhari’s leadership, he played his part as a soldier, an administrator, and ultimately, as a statesman.
“Obasanjo’s tribute was conveyed in a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Kehinde Akinyemi, on Sunday from Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.
“The former president expressed his deep sorrow at the news of Buhari’s passing, describing it as a personal loss given their shared history in Nigeria’s governance and military affairs.
“I received with a heavy heart the news of the death of my former colleague, President Muhammadu Buhari. He played his role as a soldier, as an administrator, and as a statesman, among numerous responsibilities he bore during his lifetime.
“At a time like this, the country requires the wisdom, experience, and statesmanship of those who have had the opportunity to govern, to help navigate us out of our current challenges,” Obasanjo remarked. He further prayed for the repose of Buhari’s soul, wishing him eternal rest.
The family of the late President confirmed his death in an official statement released on Sunday, disclosing that he passed away in the afternoon at a private clinic in London, United Kingdom.
Buhari had reportedly been receiving medical treatment at the facility prior to his demise. His death occurred on July 13, following a prolonged battle with an undisclosed illness.
Throughout his presidency and afterward, Buhari’s health remained a topic of public concern, especially due to his frequent medical trips abroad, though official details about his condition were never publicly confirmed.
However, Nigerian activist and politician, Omoyele Sowore, has alleged that the former president succumbed to blood cancer, specifically leukemia. Citing insider sources, Sowore further claimed that Buhari underwent stem cell therapy in the United Kingdom during the initial stages of his illness.
Since the announcement of his passing, several prominent Nigerians have continued to pay tribute to the late former president, reflecting on his service to the nation and the indelible mark he left on Nigeria’s political landscape.