As Nigeria continues to mourn the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, two of his daughters, Hanan and Hadiza (Nana) Buhari, have publicly expressed their gratitude to Nigerians who forgave their late father during and after his time in office.
Speaking in an emotional interview with BBC Hausa, the daughters described their father as loving, disciplined, and devoted to his family and country. Buhari died on Sunday in a London hospital after battling a long illness.
Hanan Buhari, one of his younger daughters, said losing her father felt like losing a part of her body. “What I’ll miss most about him is his sense of humour,” she said. “We thank everyone who forgave our father. He meant well for Nigeria. We have nothing to say but thank you and thank God.”
Hanan added that Buhari’s humility and discipline shaped how he raised his children. “He disciplined me to study, pray, and do things that made us happy.”
Hadiza Buhari, also known as Nana, shared more personal stories about her late father. She recalled visiting him in London during his treatment. “When I told him I was returning to Nigeria, he said, ‘Greet Nigerians.’ That showed how much he cared for the people,” she said.
Nana also described a lesson she learned as a child after using part of her textbook money to buy sweets. “He told me, ‘If someone sends you to buy something, return the change. If they give it back to you, fine. But don’t keep what’s not yours.’ That’s the kind of man he was,” she said.
Describing him as humorous, calm, and patient, Nana said Buhari was not a man of revenge. “He doesn’t like noise. Even if you insult him, he wouldn’t react unless he decides to keep an eye on you.”
The tributes from his daughters come as condolences continue to pour in from around the country and across the world. Buhari served as Nigeria’s military Head of State from 1983 to 1985 and later as a democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023.