Akpabio mourns Buhari, describes him as a leader of integrity, national icon

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as a statesman and a man of great integrity.

Buhari, who died at a London Clinic at the age of 82, was mourned widely across the country.

In a personally signed statement, Senator Akpabio extended his condolences to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the government and people of Katsina State, and Buhari’s immediate family. He noted that Buhari’s death came at a time when his wise counsel was still needed in the country.

“It is with profound sadness that I received the news of the passing of His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I am deeply pained that he died when his wise counsel is needed most in this country,” Akpabio said.

He further described Buhari as a fine military officer who served the country with zeal and patriotism and later became a democratic icon after his retirement from active service. Akpabio recalled how Buhari, through hard work and resilience, became the first opposition candidate in Nigeria’s history to defeat a sitting president.

Akpabio praised Buhari’s leadership style, saying his commitment to Nigeria’s development, stability, and anti-corruption crusade earned him unprecedented political followership. “His leadership and legacy will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to our nation’s development and stability. His life signified honesty, truth and justice; he was indeed, the real ‘Mai Gaskiya’,” he added.

The Senate President, who served as a minister under Buhari’s administration, attested to the former president’s selfless lifestyle, describing him as a man who always prioritised the welfare of the less privileged. He concluded by praying for the late president’s family and for Allah to grant Buhari eternal rest in Aljannatul Firdaus.