The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, and his Deputy, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, have both expressed deep sorrow over the death of Nigeria’s former President, Muhammadu Buhari, describing his passing as a monumental loss to the nation.
They hailed him as one of Nigeria’s most patriotic sons, whose life was dedicated to the service of the country both in military and civilian capacities.
In a statement issued by the Speaker’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, Hon. Abbas eulogized the late president as a leader of exceptional integrity, who lived a life marked by simplicity, discipline, and a remarkable absence of materialism. According to the Speaker, these virtues earned Buhari respect and admiration across Nigeria and beyond.
Speaker Abbas highlighted that Buhari’s service to the nation spanned decades, making him one of the few Nigerians to have reached the pinnacle of leadership both as a military Head of State and as a democratically elected President — a distinction shared only with former President Olusegun Obasanjo. He noted that this was a rare privilege and a testament to Buhari’s enduring relevance and leadership credentials.
Recalling Buhari’s immense popularity, especially in the northern region of the country, the Speaker attributed this followership to the former president’s well-known discipline, honesty, and unwavering uprightness.
“Buhari was a fine officer of the Nigerian Army and a politician of repute, who rose to the peak of both his military and political careers. He served this nation in various capacities for most of his life, and only a few Nigerians can claim such an enduring commitment to national service,” Abbas remarked.
Expressing his personal grief, Speaker Abbas said: “The news of the demise of former President Muhammadu Buhari came to me as a shock. However, we cannot question the will of our Creator — every soul shall taste death. I pray that Almighty Allah (SWT) forgives his shortcomings and grants him Jannatul Firdaus.”
He further emphasized that Buhari had carved a unique place in Nigeria’s history as an incorruptible leader who was deeply committed to nation-building, integrity, and modesty.
His leadership style, the Speaker noted, was guided by uncommon simplicity and an unwavering commitment to discipline and national progress.
Also reacting to the former president’s death, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu expressed profound sadness over the loss, describing Buhari as a leader whose impact was felt not just within Nigeria but across the global community.
“It is with profound sadness that I received the news of the passing of His Excellency, former President Muhammadu Buhari. His death is a painful loss not only for Nigeria but for the entire international community, given the significant contributions he made to our collective progress.”
Kalu praised Buhari’s enduring legacies as both a military leader and a civilian president, stating that his life of integrity would continue to serve as an inspiration for future generations.
He specifically recalled Buhari’s aversion to indiscipline, which defined his tenure as a military leader, and his steadfastness in public service when he later assumed the presidency under democratic rule.
Reflecting on Buhari’s policy achievements, the Deputy Speaker highlighted the former president’s “rice revolution” among other developmental strides, noting that such efforts demonstrated his commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural sector and reducing dependence on food imports.
“As we reflect on his life and numerous achievements, I am reminded of the importance of leadership, selfless service, and dedication to the welfare of our citizens. May we all draw inspiration from his example as we continue to work towards building a better, more prosperous future for all Nigerians,” Kalu concluded.
Both presiding officers of the House of Representatives extended their heartfelt condolences to Buhari’s family, the government, and the people of Nigeria, praying for the peaceful repose of his soul.