UPDATE: Buhari’s Death Painful Loss To Nigeria –Oborevwori

• As Former President Dies In London Hospital

BY PATRICK MGBODO

DELTA State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has expressed deep sor­row over the passing of former Presi­dent Muhammadu Buhari, describing his death as a monumental loss to the nation.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secre­tary, Sir Festus Ahon, yesterday, Governor Oborevwori said the former President lived a life of service, discipline, and unwavering commitment to the unity and progress of Nigeria.

He noted that from his days as a young officer in the Nigerian Army to his leader­ship as military Head of State and later as a democratically elected President, Buhari embodied patriotism, integrity, and courage in the pursuit of national goals.

Oborevwori said; “on behalf of the gov­ernment and people of Delta State, I mourn the passing of former President Muhamma­du Buhari, a towering figure in our national history who served Nigeria with distinc­tion and uncommon dedication.

“President Buhari was a man of deep convictions who believed in the greatness of Nigeria and worked hard, within his understanding and capacity to promote security, economic stability, and national cohesion.

“His death is a painful loss not just to his immediate family and the military institution he served so proudly, but to the entire nation that benefitted from his decades of sacrifice.”

The Governor condoled with the Nigerian Armed Forces, the people of Katsina State, and the entire country over the irreparable loss.

He prayed for the repose of the former President’s soul and asked God to grant his family and the nation the fortitude to bear the loss.

Former President Buhari’s death was announced yesterday by his media aide, Garba Shehu, via a post on his X (formerly Twitter) handle.

According to the post: “The family of the former president has announced the passing of Muhammadu Buhari this afternoon in a clinic in London. May Allah accept him in Aljannatul Firdaus Amin.”

The announcement has since sparked an outpouring of condolences, with many Nigerians offering prayers for the peaceful repose of his soul.

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubuhad ordered Vice President Kashim Shettima and his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila to proceed to the UK to accompany Buhari’s body back to Nigeria.

This is contained in a statement signed by Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, yesterday, in Abuja.

”President Tinubu has spoken with Mrs Aishat Buhari, the former President’s widow and offered his deep con­dolences,” Onanuga said.

Tinubu also ordered flags at half-mast as a mark of respect for the departed leader.

Buhari had been receiving medical treatment in London before his passing, having initially traveled for a routine medical check-up in April. Former President Buhari was twice elected Nigeria’s President in 2015 and 2019.

He also served as military head of state between January 1984 and August 1985.

Buhari served as Nigeria’s President from 2015 to 2023. Born on December 17, 1942, in Daura, Katsina State, he is survived by 10 children.

Before his civilian presidency, Buhari was Nigeria’s Military Head of State from 1983 to 1985. He also briefly served as Governor of Borno State between February 3 and March 15, 1976.

An alumnus of the Nigeria Military Training College, Mons Officer Cadet School in the United Kingdom, and the United States Army War College, Buhari had a long and distinguished military and political career.