Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has paid tribute to the late Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as a patriot whose death is a great loss to the country.
Buhari, Nigeria’s immediate past president, reportedly died in London on Sunday. Though full details about his death were yet to be confirmed at press time, tributes have started pouring in from across the country.
Speaking from his home in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Obasanjo said Buhari served Nigeria with dedication both as a soldier and a civilian leader.
“It is with a heavy heart that I received this afternoon the passing to glory of a colleague, a comrade, co-patriot, General Muhammadu Buhari,” Obasanjo said.
“As a soldier, he played his role; as an administrator, he did his part; and as a statesman, he gave his service. His demise comes at a time we need the experience and wisdom of past leaders to help pull Nigeria out of its current challenges.”
Obasanjo noted that Nigeria is going through a tough period, and the nation would have benefited from Buhari’s counsel and leadership.
“He will be sorely missed. May his soul rest in perfect peace,” Obasanjo concluded.
Buhari served as Nigeria’s military Head of State from 1983 to 1985 and later as a democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023. His death marks the end of an era for a man who shaped Nigeria’s political and military history.