The apex northern sociocultural group Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation (SABMF) have expressed sadness over the news of the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari in London.
ACF said until his death, he was one of four surviving former Nigerian heads of state, adding that Buhari had lived a life full of momentous activities, not surprising for a personality who had twice served as chief executive of Nigeria, first as military head of state (1983 – 1985), then as twice democratically elected president (2015 – 2023), as well as military governor of the defunct Northeastern State (now Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe states) (1975 – 1979), and minister of petroleum resources.
ACF in a condolence statement issued by its national publicity Secretary Professor Tukur Muhammad -Baba said the late Buhari had also served in command posts in the military and actively fought in the 1967-1970 Civil War which ended in the unification of Nigeria, among his numerous other national outings.
“The late retired General was therefore a recurring decimal in policy and governance circles in Nigeria for nearly the past 60 years. Perhaps as should be expected, late General Buhari’s services to Nigeria could not have failed to elicit mixed reactions and evaluations, from friends and foes alike.
“Those different times he had served incorporated momentous and often controversial episodes in checkered Nigeria’s history. It is to be expected that some of the controversies and other memories as his legacies will linger and be subjected to analyses”.
ACF also averred that there is no Nigerian alive today that enjoyed the love and loyalty of the Nigerian downtrodden especially in the North like the late President Muhammadu Buhari.
“ACF mourns Gen. Buhari and prays for the peaceful repose of his soul in Aljanna Fir-daus, and equally extends condolences to his family and friends, the people and Government of the Federation, Katsina State and beyond.”
SABMF in their own condolence message issued by its director general Engr. Dr. Abubakar Gambo Umar said Buhari’s life was marked by unwavering dedication, discipline, and patriotism and has therefore left an indelible legacy that will forever resonate in the hearts of Nigerians.
“Late President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR rose from humble beginnings to become a symbol of resilience and service, who served as Nigeria’s Military Head of State from 1983 to 1985, instituting policies aimed at restoring discipline and combating corruption. His return as a democratically elected President from 2015 to 2023 marked a historic milestone, as he became the first Nigerian to defeat an incumbent president in a general election.
“His re-election in 2019 further underscored the trust Nigerians placed in his vision for a better nation”.
“Late President Buhari’s contributions to Nigeria were vast and impactful. His commitment to national security, infrastructure development and agricultural reforms laid a foundation for sustainable development.
“Late President Buhari’s life was a testament to the values of integrity, discipline, and service similarly championed by our Foundation. Late President Buhari also believed in the unity and progress of Nigeria, particularly in fostering national cohesion. His decision to contest the presidency multiple times, undeterred by earlier losses, reflected his unyielding commitment to our Country’s advancement”.
Engr. Umar said, “as we grieve this monumental loss, the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation calls for national introspection and reflection on the state of our nation, the challenges we face, and the commitment required to overcome them.
“Buhari’s life reminds us that leadership demands sacrifice, courage, and a relentless pursuit of justice. We must honor his memory by recommitting to the ideals of good governance, equity, and unity that he stood for.
“We extend our deepest condolences to late President Buhari’s family, the people of Katsina State, and all Nigerians. May his soul rest in peace in the exalted Aljannah Firdaus, and may his legacy inspire us to forge a stronger, more united nation,” the stated added.
