Govs Pay Tributes To Late Buhari

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum, has also paid tributes to the late former Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari, who died in London hospital on Sunday, 13 July, 2025 at the age of 82, reports Business Today NG.
In a statement signed by its chairman, AbdulRaman AbdulRazaq, on Sunday, 13 July, 2025, stated, “The Nigeria Governors’ Forum receives with a profound sense of loss and sadness the death of His Excellency former President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, in London, on Sunday, July 13, 2025.
“This death is a significant depletion in the rank of Africa’s all-time great men. Muhammadu Buhari was not just a former President or military leader; he was a national political leader with profound moral courage, character, and amazing sense of duty. He would be remembered for his humility, strategic patience, and modest lifestyle.
“We send our deepest condolences to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on the painful loss of his dear friend, compatriot, immediate predecessor, and fellow party man.”
Also Nigerian Governors under the All Progressives Congress(APC) in a condolence message signed by the chairman of the forum and Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, said the forum extended its heartfelt condolences to all Nigerians and the family of the late former President.
“With the passing of President Buhari, Nigeria bids farewell to one of its most emblematic figures of honest and dedicated leadership; an era shaped by integrity, patriotism, and uncommon sacrifice,” Uzodimma said.
The Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Yahaya, in a message signed by him, described described Buhari’s death as a loss to the entire nation.
“President Muhammadu Buhari was an iconic figure whose life embodied discipline, integrity and a steadfast commitment to the service of Nigeria.
“His legacy is one of sacrifice, selflessness, and steadfast commitment to the unity, security and progress of our dear country.
“To us in the Northern Governors’ Forum, President Buhari was not just a national icon, but also a mentor and moral compass that stood firm on the principles of accountability, transparency and good governance. He mentored with humility, governed with courage and lived a life marked by simplicity and patriotism,” he stated.
In a statement, Ogun State Governor, Dapo 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.”
Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed stated, “President Buhari was a great leader who served Nigeria with commitment and a deep sense of duty. His contributions to national development and his steadfastness in leadership will be remembered.”
Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, said “Nigeria has lost a statesman. History has gained a legend.”
He added, “It is with profound sorrow and complete submission to the will of Almighty Allah that we receive the news of the passing of one of Nigeria’s most revered sons — President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR.
“A towering figure in our national life: he was a soldier, statesman, reformer, and, above all, a beloved leader of the people.”
Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, also commiserated with the nation over the death of the former President.
He noted that Buhari, during his remarkable service, left indelible marks on the nation’s history, insisting that the former President served Nigeria with unwavering courage and conviction, consistently prioritising the nation’s interests and the well-being of its people.
The governor added, “The country will miss a statesman, a patriot, and a leader who committed his entire life to the service of Nigeria.”
“President Buhari lived with quiet dignity and unwavering commitment to the service of Nigeria. His courage in confronting corruption and insisting on accountability in public life inspired millions. A man of spartan simplicity and deep faith, he remained grounded in the values of justice and fairness, always aligning himself with the hopes and struggles of the ordinary Nigerian — the talakawa, whom he championed with conviction,” Sani added.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Kebbi State, Ahmed Idris, said, “On behalf of the governor and good people of Kebbi State, we joined Nigerians in mourning the loss of the immediate past president of the country, President Muhammadu Buhari, May Almighty Allah forgives his shortcomings.”
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, in a statement, said, “The late former President was a true patriot, a disciplined leader, and a man of unwavering integrity who dedicated his life to the service of Nigeria. It is with a heavy heart that we received the news of the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari.”
Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, stated, “We have lost a great leader. This is indeed a monumental loss to Nigeria in particular and Africa as a whole”.
According to Governor Oyebanji, the late Buhari did not only serve the country meritoriously right from his youthful days as a military officer, he lived an exemplary life of selfless service to the nation and led the nation at two different periods – as a military head of state and two-term President and Commander-in-Chief, where he put in his very best.
The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, commiserated with the wife of the former President, Aisha Buhari, and his family, praying to God to grant repose to his soul.
Makinde, in a statement by his Special Adviser (Media) Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, made available to newsmen on Sunday, described Buhari’s death as unexpected, noting that the former President made his mark in serving the country.