Pius Nsabe
The family of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, First Lady Senator Remi Tinubu, and the Government of the Federation for their roles before and after Buhari’s passing.
In a statement signed by presidential aide Garba Shehu and posted on Buhari’s official Facebook page, the family’s appreciation was conveyed by Malam Mamman Daura, the most senior member of the Buhari family.
“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, for the days he and the ministers spent during the mourning period. These have instilled confidence in all of us to face this loss with courage,” the statement read.
The family commended President Tinubu for declaring a public holiday in honour of Buhari and for renaming the University of Maiduguri after the late leader.
The family extended gratitude to global leaders and institutions who expressed condolences, including King Charles III of England, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, the Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, the African Union, and ECOWAS Heads of State. The statement also noted the visit of former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar.
“Muhammadu Buhari’s demise is an irreparable loss and its pain is beyond words, but 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 family said.
The statement further acknowledged Vice President Kashim Shettima and his wife, as well as state governors — especially Governor Dikko Umar Radda of Katsina and Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno — for their presence and support. It also appreciated visits from leaders of Adamawa, Kano, Kwara, Lagos, Kaduna, Imo, Nasarawa, Bauchi, Sokoto, and Kebbi states, alongside former governors such as Peter Obi.
The family thanked former Vice Presidents Atiku Abubakar, Namadi Sambo, Yemi Osinbajo, and Babagana Kingibe, as well as National Assembly leaders including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, and Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin.
Traditional leaders who attended or sent delegations were also recognised, notably the Sultan of Sokoto, the Shehu of Borno, the Emir of Gwandu, and the host emirs of Katsina and Daura. Religious leaders, politicians of various leanings, and community representatives were equally appreciated for their presence in Daura during the funeral.
The statement highlighted visits from leading Nigerian businessmen including Aliko Dangote, Abdul Samad Rabiu, Muhammadu Indimi, Dahiru Mangal, Kola Adesina, and Nasiru Danu.
Past and serving security and intelligence chiefs, military officers, police, permanent secretaries, civil servants, and media organisations were also appreciated for their contributions.
“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 for him. We are thankful to all,” the statement concluded, with a prayer for Allah’s blessings upon everyone who stood by the family during the period of mourning.