Chief Bisi Akande, Pioneer National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has described the late former President Muhammadu Buhari as an “angel in human flesh,” whose legacy of nation-building will endure.
Akande, who led a delegation of political associates to Kaduna on Wednesday to condole with the Buhari family, said the news of Buhari’s death was a painful personal loss that shook him deeply.
“I first heard of his death when I was abroad. Before then, I met him in Daura after our feast. He was looking robust, very strong and healthy. So, the news came to me as a big shock,” Akande said.
He recalled that his last conversation with Buhari in Daura was lighthearted, as they both joked about village life.
Akande added that upon returning to Nigeria, his first duty was to visit the family, commiserate and pray with them.
“Buhari was a great Nigerian, patriotic, and maybe he was an angel who came in human flesh. He has done his bit and has passed. His spirit will continue to live forever because of the good work he did in Nigeria,” he said.
The delegation led by Akande included Sen. Abu Ibrahim, former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare, APC stalwart, Alhaji Mahmud Abdullahi, Director-General of the National Directorate of Employment, Mr Silas Agara, and Convener of the Arewa Think Tank, Mohammed Alhaji Yakubu.
They were received at the late president’s Kaduna residence by the former First Lady, Hajiya Aisha Buhari, and the family’s eldest son, Yusuf Buhari.
In his response, Yusuf expressed gratitude to Akande and his entourage for standing with the family during what he described as their most difficult moment.
He also thanked President Bola Tinubu for giving the late president a befitting burial and honour.
“Our father lived by integrity, discipline, and service to Nigeria. We will continue to uphold those values and preserve his legacy,” Yusuf said.