Two former Nigerian leaders, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd) and Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, have issued statements mourning the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who died at the age of 82.
In his tribute, General Babangida recalled their relationship, which began in 1962 at the Nigerian Military Training College in Kaduna. He described Buhari as “quiet yet resolute, principled yet humble, deeply patriotic and fiercely loyal to Nigeria.”
“Our paths crossed in 1962… From those early days, Muhammadu stood out,” Babangida said. “Through the years, we shared trenches and trials, dreams and disappointments… Our bond was forged not only by military training, but by a shared commitment to the ideals of service, discipline, and love for country.”
Babangida said Buhari held on to his values throughout his time in leadership. “He served Nigeria with a deep sense of responsibility and unwavering commitment, even when the road was lonely or misunderstood.”
He added that Buhari was “a deeply spiritual man… who carried himself with the humility of someone who believed in a higher calling.” He acknowledged differences between them but said, “We may not have agreed on everything — as brothers often don’t — but I never once doubted his sincerity or his patriotism.”
On Buhari’s place in history, Babangida said, “His passing today is not just the loss of a former Head of State, or a two-term civilian President. It is the loss of a symbol — a man whose life embodied the transition of Nigeria from the old guard to the new republic.”
He ended by saying, “May Allah (SWT), in His infinite mercy, forgive his shortcomings, accept his deeds, and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus. May his legacy endure.”
Former President Goodluck Jonathan, in a separate statement, said Buhari’s death was “a profound sense of national loss,” and commended what he called his “courage, discipline, and dedication to Nigeria.”
“President Buhari was a notable leader, patriot, and elder statesman who served our beloved nation as both a military Head of State and President, to the best of his abilities,” Jonathan said.
He continued, “He will be remembered as a courageous leader, a disciplined officer, and a committed public servant who made considerable contributions towards the peace and progress of our dear nation.”
Jonathan said Buhari’s life reflected “decency, integrity, and exemplary service,” and added, “In his passing, Nigeria has lost one of its foremost leaders, and I have lost a respected colleague and elder.”
He added, “May Allah forgive his shortcomings, accept his good deeds and grant him Jannatul Firdaus.”
