The family of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed deep gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and a wide range of Nigerian and international leaders for their overwhelming show of support following the demise of the elder statesman and his burial.
In a statement issued on behalf of the family, the most senior member of the family, Malam Mamman Daura, said the visits, condolence messages, and acts of solidarity from within and outside Nigeria gave the family courage to cope with the painful loss.
“It is truly comforting to receive such support from the President and the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, who went to the United Kingdom, and here in Daura, during the mourning period,” Mamman Daura said. “These gestures have instilled confidence in all of us to face this loss with courage.”
He commended President Tinubu for his thoughtful honours, including declaring a public holiday and renaming the University of Maiduguri after the late president, describing them as profound acknowledgments of Buhari’s national service.
The family also appreciated world leaders who reached out, including King Charles III of England, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, the Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, the Chairman of the African Union, the leadership of ECOWAS, and former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar.
“The general reaction and kind expressions give us the strength to cope with the loss of our esteemed family member and former leader of the country,” the statement read.
The family singled out several Nigerian leaders for their condolence visits and messages, including Vice President Shettima and his wife, governors of Katsina, Borno, Adamawa, Kano, Kwara, Lagos, Kaduna, Imo, Nasarawa, Bauchi, Sokoto, and Kebbi States, as well as former governors, including Mr. Peter Obi.
“We express our deep appreciation to former Vice Presidents Atiku Abubakar, Architect Namadi Sambo, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, and Ambassador Babagana Kingibe,” Daura said.
He further expressed the family’s gratitude to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, and members of the National and State Assemblies.
The family also thanked the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; his predecessor, Boss Mustapha; Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila; and former Chief of Staff, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, as well as former and serving cabinet members.
Traditional rulers across Nigeria and beyond were also acknowledged for their support, with special mention of the Sultan of Sokoto, the Shehu of Borno, the Emir of Gwandu, and the host Emirs of Katsina and Daura.
The statement further expressed appreciation to religious leaders of all faiths, community groups, youth and women organisations, security agencies, civil servants, civil society organisations, and the media for their roles during the mourning period.
Also honoured were business leaders who paid condolence visits to Daura, including Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Abdul Samad Rabiu, Alhaji Muhammadu Indimi, Alhaji Dahiru Mangal, Kola Adesina, and Nasiru Danu.
It further noted that, “All of Nigeria came out in force to bury Buhari and condole with us and pray for him. We are deeply grateful for the visits, the condolence messages, and prayers.
“We respect your prayers as I and the family go through this period. May the Almighty Allah bless and reward you all,” the family stated.
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