Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as a “courageous leader” who served Nigeria with integrity, discipline, and patriotism.
In a statement released on Sunday by his Special Adviser, Ikechukwu Eze, Dr. Jonathan described Buhari as a patriot whose legacy will be remembered for generations.
“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 who died at the age of 82,” Jonathan wrote.
He described Buhari as “a notable leader, patriot, and elder statesman who served our beloved nation as both a military Head of State and President, to the best of his abilities.”
Jonathan recalled Buhari’s strong values of honesty, discipline, and national service, noting that the former president was admired across the country for his character and sense of duty.
“He will 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,” he said.
Jonathan, who succeeded Buhari’s first stint as a military ruler by decades and handed over to him in 2015, acknowledged Buhari’s selfless devotion to national service and his enduring reputation for integrity.
“In his passing Nigeria has lost one of its foremost leaders, and I have lost a respected colleague and elder,” Jonathan noted. “His legacy will continue to endure in the hearts of all who value sacrifice, integrity, perseverance and devotion to national ethos.”
He also extended his condolences to Buhari’s family, the people of Katsina State, and all Nigerians mourning the former president.
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“May Allah forgive his shortcomings, accept his good deeds and grant him Jannatul Firdaus,” Jonathan prayed.
President Muhammadu Buhari reportedly died in London at the age of 82. Meanwhile, the presidency had earlier described his death as a national loss and sent emisaries; vice president Shettima and chief of staff, Gbajabiamila to go bring back the remains of the immediate past president of the Fededral Republic of Nigeria, Mohammadu Buhari.
