- Tinubu declared public holiday and renamed UNIMAID after Buhari, described by Daura as “thoughtful gestures” of national honour.
- Global figures including King Charles III, Amina Mohammed and AU leaders extended condolences through various forms of communication.
The family of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed appreciation to Nigerians for the support following his death.
WITHIN NIGERIA reports that Buhari died last week at the age of 82 in a clinic in London, United Kingdom.
Mamman Daura, nephew to the late president, spoke on behalf of the family through a statement issued by Garba Shehu, Buhari’s former spokesperson.
He thanked President Bola Tinubu and his wife, Remi, for standing with the family before and after the passing of the former leader.
Daura said the family was comforted by the massive turnout of sympathisers and the show of solidarity across different levels of society.
“It is truly comforting to receive such support from the President and the Vice-President, Kashim Shettima, who went to the United Kingdom and later came to Daura, where he and the ministers spent several days during the mourning period,” the statement reads.
“These have instilled confidence in all of us to face this loss with courage.”
Daura commended Tinubu for declaring a public holiday and renaming the University of Maiduguri after Buhari, describing the acts as “thoughtful gestures”.
He acknowledged messages of sympathy from global leaders who reached out through calls, letters, representatives or personal visits.
“Of special note were those of the King of England, King Charles III, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, the Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, the chairman of the African Union, and that of the Committee of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS countries, and our former Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar,” he said.
Daura said the family drew strength from the unity shown by Nigerians and the international community in the face of the “irreplaceable” loss.
He thanked Vice-President Shettima and his wife, as well as governors like Dikko Radda of Katsina and Babagana Zulum of Borno.
Other governors who paid condolences include those of Adamawa, Kano, Kwara, Lagos, Kaduna, Imo, Nasarawa, Bauchi, Sokoto, and Kebbi states.
He appreciated former vice-presidents Atiku Abubakar, Namadi Sambo, Yemi Osinbajo, and Babagana Kingibe for their kind words.
Daura also acknowledged condolences from former governors, including Peter Obi.
“We do sincerely thank the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Senator George Akume and his predecessor in office, Boss Mustapha, the current Chief of Staff, Honorable Femi Gbajabiamila and his predecessor, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, former and serving members of the cabinet in both administrations for their activities in these events and their comforting words,” Daura said.
“We are very pleased with the amazing gestures of our traditional leaders, notably the Sultan of Sokoto, the Shehu of Borno, the Emir of Gwandu, and the host emirs of Katsina and Daura, as well as the various emirs and chiefs from all over Nigeria and the neighbouring countries who came in person or sent representatives.”
He praised religious leaders, community heads, youth, women, and politicians across party lines for showing up in Daura.
“The family in Daura is also thanking past and serving security and intelligence, police and military leaders, permanent secretaries, and the rank-and-file civil servants, community groups and associations, civil society, and the media of communications.”
He expressed appreciation to top Nigerian business leaders who visited Daura, including Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Abdul Samad Isyaka Rabi’u, Alhaji Muhammadu Indimi, Alhaji Dahiru Mangal, Kola Adesina, and Nasiru Danu.
“We also take this opportunity to thank the entire citizens of this country and those of other nations represented by their missions in Nigeria.”
“All of Nigeria came out in force to bury Buhari and condole with us and pray for him. We are deeply grateful for the visits, the condolence messages, and prayers on him. We are thankful to all.”
“We respect your prayers as I and the family go through this period. May the Almighty Allah bless and reward you all.”
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