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By Lizzy Chirkpi
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing the news of his passing as “shocking” and a monumental loss to Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, Speaker Abbas extolled Buhari’s lifelong service to Nigeria, highlighting his legacy as a disciplined military officer, a two-time national leader, and a man known for his austere lifestyle and unwavering integrity.
“The news of the demise of former President Muhammadu Buhari was shocking to me. But we cannot question our Creator. All mortals shall taste death. May Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him Jannatul Firdaus,” the Speaker said.
Buhari, who passed away at 82 in London following a brief illness, was remembered by Speaker Abbas as “one of the most patriotic Nigerians to have ever lived.”
According to the Speaker, Buhari’s life was marked by service and sacrifice. “He was a fine officer of the Nigerian Army and politician of repute, who got to the peak of his military and political careers. He was disciplined, patriotic, modest, and upright. He served the nation most of his life in different capacities. Only a few Nigerians have the privilege to have so served their country,” Abbas stated.
Abbas further acknowledged Buhari’s rare status as one of only two Nigerians—alongside Olusegun Obasanjo—to have served both as military head of state and as a democratically elected president, describing the dual leadership roles as a “rare privilege to serve the country.”
He praised the late president for his simple and incorruptible lifestyle, which, he noted, earned him admiration across the nation. “Buhari carved a niche for himself as an incorruptible leader, a man of integrity, and an unflinching commitment to nation-building. His life was also defined by uncommon simplicity,” the Speaker added.
Abbas also recalled the deep admiration Buhari commanded, especially in northern Nigeria, attributing his popularity to his discipline, modesty, and upright character. He noted Buhari’s pivotal role in Nigeria’s political history, particularly in the 2015 election that ended the 16-year rule of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). “Ex-President Buhari’s alliance with his successor, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and others to form the All Progressives Congress (APC) was a formidable force,” he said.
Reflecting on the former president’s post-leadership years, Speaker Abbas said: “It is painful that Buhari, who chose to have his deserved rest after eight years as president, has now gone to have eternal rest.”
He extended his condolences to the Buhari family, the Emir of Daura, the government and people of Katsina State, and also to Kaduna State, where the former president spent a significant part of his life.
Buhari’s passing marks the end of an era in Nigerian politics—one that Speaker Abbas believes will be remembered for discipline, integrity, and devotion to the Nigerian project.