Abuja, Nigeria – A pall of grief descended upon Nigeria on Sunday as the nation received the somber news of the passing of its former President, Muhammadu Buhari. The announcement, which plunged many Nigerians into a tearful moment of reflection, was made by President Bola Tinubu’s media aide, Bayo Onanuga.
According to a report by Toriexpress, Onanuga confirmed the unfortunate development on Sunday evening, disclosing that the elder statesman died in London, United Kingdom, after a brief illness. While specific details regarding the cause of his demise were not officially revealed by the Buhari family, widespread reports indicate that the former president had been battling blood cancer, specifically leukemia, for some time.
The news instantly triggered an outpouring of condolences and eulogies from across the globe. Leaders worldwide, Nigerian politicians from both the ruling and opposition parties, and various socio-political organizations have flooded media channels with heartfelt tributes for the departed leader.
Prominent among those expressing profound sadness were socio-political organizations like Afenifere and Arewa Youths, who, in exclusive chats with the media on Sunday, underscored the magnitude of the loss.
Buhari Left Unforgettable Legacies – Afenifere
The National Publicity Secretary of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, Comrade Jare Ajayi, conveyed his organization’s deep condolences to Toriexpress. Ajayi emphasized that former President Buhari left behind “legacies that cannot be forgotten easily.”
Among the significant contributions highlighted by Ajayi was the stern discipline instilled during Buhari’s tenure as military Head of State, supported by the late General Tunde Idiagbon. “Among the things for which people will continue to remember him was how the administration he led, with the support of late General Tunde Idiagbon, made it known that Nigerians can lead a disciplined life,” Ajayi stated. He, however, lamented that “unfortunately, the spirit of discipline his administration instilled in Nigerians was not sustained by successive administrations.”
Ajayi also acknowledged the complexities of Buhari’s military rule, noting that “the noble image that his government as military Head of State would have earned was stained by some of the draconian steps that the administration took, including scant regard for human rights.”
Speaking on Buhari’s second coming as civilian President from 2015 to 2023, Ajayi observed that this period “sort of demystified the public image he had as a ‘no-nonsense man’.” He further pointed to “one important lesson in his conduct towards winning the election that brought him in as President,” a statement that underscores the multifaceted appraisal of Buhari’s long and impactful career.
As Nigeria grapples with the loss of one of its most prominent figures, the coming days are expected to witness further reflections on his life, leadership, and the enduring legacy he leaves behind.Edit
