Former President Goodluck Jonathan has paid tribute to the late President Muhammadu Buhari, declaring to have lost a respected colleague and elder in the deceased former Nigerian leader.
The former president also described Buhari’s demise as a profound national and personal loss.
Jonathan, in a condolence message issued on Sunday, expressed sorrow over the passing of the immediate-past president who died on Sunday at the age of 82.
The former president honoured Buhari’s legacy as a patriot, a disciplined leader, and an elder statesman who served Nigeria with integrity.
“It is with a heavy heart and profound sense of national loss that I received the news of the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari,” the former president said. “Nigeria has lost one of its foremost leaders, and I have lost a respected colleague and elder.”
Jonathan hailed Buhari’s decades of service to the country, noting his contributions as both military Head of State and a democratically elected president.
He stressed that Buhari would be remembered as “a courageous leader, a disciplined officer, and a committed public servant who made considerable contributions towards the peace and progress of our dear nation.”
According to Jonathan, the late President’s life was marked by values that endeared him to Nigerians across all walks of life.
“The late President was deeply admired across the strata of society for his decency, integrity and exemplary life of service. As a leader, he was selfless in his commitment to his duty and served the country with character and a deep sense of patriotism,” he said.
He also praised Buhari’s enduring legacy of sacrifice, perseverance, and devotion to national ideals. “His legacy will continue to endure in the hearts of all who value sacrifice, integrity, perseverance and devotion to national ethos,” Jonathan said.
On behalf of his family and the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, the former president extended condolences to Buhari’s immediate family, the people of Katsina State, and all Nigerians who mourn the loss.
“May Allah forgive his shortcomings, accept his good deeds and grant him Jannatul Firdaus,” he prayed.
