Former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), has paid a heartfelt tribute to the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, who died on Sunday in London at the age of 82.
In a personally signed statement titled “Tribute to a Brother, Friend, and Patriot Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR)” released from his Minna residence, General Babangida described Buhari’s death as more than just the loss of a former Head of State or two-term civilian president, but “the loss of a symbol.”
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“His passing today is not just the loss of a former Head of State, or a two-term civilian President,” Babangida wrote, “it is the loss of a symbol, a man whose life embodied the transition of Nigeria from the old guard to the new republic. A man who, even in retirement, remained a moral compass to many, and an example of modesty in public life.”
According to Babangida, beyond the military uniform and the spotlight of public service, Buhari was a deeply spiritual individual who found solace in faith and carried himself with humility.
“We may not have agreed on everything as brothers often don’t, but I never once doubted his sincerity or his patriotism,” he stated.
Describing the late president as “my friend, my brother, my course mate, and a fellow soldier in the journey of nationhood,” Babangida recalled their shared experiences in the military and in service to Nigeria.
“Through the years, we shared trenches and trials, dreams and disappointments, victories and moments of reflection. Our bond was forged not only by military training, but by a shared commitment to the ideals of service, discipline, and love for country,” he said.
The former military ruler extended his condolences to Buhari’s widow, Aisha Buhari, his children and grandchildren, and the nation as a whole.
He prayed that Allah, in His infinite mercy, forgives Buhari’s shortcomings, accepts his deeds, and grants him Aljannatul Firdaus.
