Olusegun Ariyo
The Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, has expressed shock over the demise of former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, saying the news left him devastated.
The former President, who reportedly died while receiving treatment for an undisclosed illness in London, United Kingdom, on Sunday, had been ill for some time.
Abiodun, in a statement issued in Abeokuta, said even though death is a bill that all mortals must pay, the death of the former President came as a rude shock.
He described Buhari as a gallant soldier and patriot whose commitment to the Nigerian cause shone through, adding that his Presidency was enabled by his record as a scrupulously honest, no-nonsense General who believed that no national progress could be achieved without discipline and accountability.
Abiodun said, “Former President Muhammadu Buhari dead? It is hard to process this news at the moment. We had expected, like he did in the past, that he would pull through at this time, but we take profound comfort in the fact that he left great imprints on the sands of time.
“Both as military Head of State and as civilian president, Buhari made accountability his watchword.
“Although his time as military Head of State had the usual elements of leadership style that is not acceptable in a democracy, it is significant that Buhari was able to reinvent himself and govern Nigeria for two terms as elected president, recording monumental achievements in infrastructure, from road to rail.
“As a person, he was straightforward, affable, witty, and of a humble disposition. Even his severest critics will readily admit that he did not seek public office for personal gratification.
“President Buhari was particularly fond of Ogun State, where he began his life as a young officer, and was excited to inaugurate and celebrate the achievements of our administration.
“I commiserate with his immediate family, including his beloved wife, Hajia Aisha Buhari, the people and Government of Katsina State, the Daura Emirate, and the Nigerian Army.
“I commiserate with President Bola Tinubu who has lost a friend and comrade in the struggle for a better Nigeria. May Almighty Allah grant him Aljanat Firdaus.”
