From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Ododo in a statement signed by the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, described President Buhari’s passing as a monumental loss not only to Nigeria, but to the African continent, and indeed the world.
He described President Buhari as a leader of quiet strength, deep convictions, and a patriotic heart wholly committed to the unity, progress, and stability of Nigeria.
Ododo further described the death if the former president as “a moment of national grief and a reminder of the enduring legacy of discipline, integrity and sacrifice that President Buhari stood for.
“President Buhari was a man who came at different times in our national history to steer the ship of state with a deep sense of responsibility.
“He was not a man of many words, but one whose actions consistently reflected his belief in a better, safer, and more self-reliant Nigeria.”
“Kogi State will remember him for his commitment to critical infrastructure, national security, and his consistent stand against corruption.
“His efforts laid a solid foundation upon which successive administrations, including ours in Kogi, continue to build.
“We stand in solidarity with the Government and people of Katsina State, the family of the late statesman, and indeed all Nigerians, as we mourn a patriot who gave his all in service to the nation.
“May Allah (SWT) forgive his shortcomings and grant him Aljannah Firdaus.”
Similarly, the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello has expressed profound sorrow over the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, describing it as a national tragedy and an immense loss to Nigeria and the African continent.
In a statement by his Media Director, Michael Ohiare, the former Governor noted that President Buhari, who passed on at the age of 82, was not only a towering figure in Nigerian history but also a father figure in leadership and political mentor to him throughout his time in office.
“The passing of Baba Buhari is a deep personal loss to me. He was a father, a guide and a mentor whose leadership shaped my own philosophy of governance.
He extended heartfelt condolences to the Buhari family, the Government and people of Katsina State, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, remarking that ‘the nation mourns a man whose life was marked by simplicity, honour and a profound sense of duty to the country he served with distinction.’
Bello described President Buhari as an indisputably upright leader whose transformative legacies, both as a military Head of State and later as a democratically elected President, will resonate through generations.
He further noted that President Buhari’s passing comes at a time when Nigeria still needed his wise counsel, measured voice and reassuring presence amid national and global uncertainties. ‘Nigeria has lost a rare gem and a leader who embodied selflessness, discipline and unmatched patriotism’, Bello said.
While praying for the peaceful repose of his soul, the former Governor called on all Nigerians, irrespective of political, ethnic, or religious affiliation, to honour Muhammadu Buhari’s memory by embracing lives of purpose, sacrifice, and integrity.
‘I take solace in the fact that Baba lived a fulfilled life of honour and service. His was a life that taught us that true leadership lies not in loud proclamations but in quiet, consistent actions – not in personal wealth but in selfless sacrifice.
‘May Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus,’ Bello stated.
