ABEOKUTA, Ogun State — Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has paid a heartfelt tribute to his successor, former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away in London on Sunday.
Obasanjo described the late Buhari as a true patriot who served Nigeria diligently as a soldier, administrator, and elder statesman. Speaking at his residence in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Sunday night, Obasanjo expressed deep sorrow over the passing of his colleague and comrade at a time he believes Nigeria needs experienced leaders the most.
“It is with a heavy heart that I received this afternoon the passing to glory of a colleague, a comrade, co-patriot, General Muhammadu Buhari,” Obasanjo said. “As a soldier, he played his role as a soldier; as an administrator, he played his role as an administrator; and as a statesman, he played his role as a statesman.”
The former president noted that Buhari’s death was a profound loss to Nigeria, especially given the nation’s current economic and security challenges. According to him, Nigeria could have greatly benefited from the wealth of experience and wisdom of leaders like Buhari in navigating the turbulent times.
“His demise comes at a time like this that we need the totality of the experience and what I may call statesmanship of all of those who have had the opportunity to run the affairs of this country in the past to get us out of the situation we are in,” Obasanjo stated.
He further prayed for the repose of Buhari’s soul, noting that the late leader’s contributions to Nigeria would not be forgotten.
“He will be sorely missed, and may his soul rest in perfect peace,” Obasanjo concluded.
Buhari, who led Nigeria as military head of state from 1983 to 1985 before returning as a democratically elected president in 2015, was known for his tough stance on corruption and security. His passing marks the end of a significant chapter in Nigeria’s political history.
As tributes continue to pour in from across the country and beyond, many Nigerians have also taken to social media to reflect on Buhari’s legacy, expressing condolences to his family and to the nation he served for decades.