…Says former President’s integrity, discipline gave hope to millions of Nigerians
From Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja
The Serving Overseer of Citadel Global Community Church, Pastor Tunde Bakare, has expressed deep sadness at the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as a man of integrity and disciplined leadership, who was a symbol of hope to many Nigerians.
In a tribute titled ‘Tribute to a Dear Elder Statesman and Compatriot,’ Bakare reflected on their shared journey and the former president’s legacy.
“It is with deep sadness and solemn reflection, yet with much gratitude to God for an extremely impactful life, that I received the news of the passing of a dear elder statesman and compatriot, President Muhammadu Buhari.
“This was a man whose destiny first intersected with mine in 1985, when his policy interventions paved the way for a young lawyer at the crossroads. This was a man whose integrity and discipline gave hope to millions of Nigerians across the length and breadth of our nation,” Bakare said.
Bakare, who was the running mate to President Muhammadu Buhari on the platform of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) in the 2011 presidential elections, also said of his former principal: “This was a man with a dream of a New Nigeria—a dream he lived for; a dream he worked tirelessly towards from his youth; a dream he pursued persistently despite the challenges he encountered; a dream I had the privilege of teaming up with him in his tireless quest to fulfill; a dream that brought tears to his eyes; a dream, the heart of which he shared with me in intimate conversations—a dream that revealed the soul of a man whose lifelong desire was to make life better for the ordinary Nigerian.”
Bakare, who continued to support Buhari with counsel when the latter was president between 2015 and 2023, further stated: “A colossus has departed our land—one for whom there can hardly be a replacement; one of whom only a few of his breed have straddled this land; one whose kind would be a tall order to find again.
“May history remember you well, my friend and compatriot. And may the New Nigeria you tried so hard to bequeath emerge, even after your departure.”
He also extended his condolences to the former First Lady, Aisha Buhari, and to the late President’s children and grandchildren.
“I express my deep condolences to President Buhari’s beloved wife, former First Lady, Aisha Buhari, and to his children and grandchildren. May God, the husband of the widow and the father of the fatherless, fill the void,” he prayed.
Bakare also prayed for comfort for the entire nation.
“And to our dear nation, Nigeria, may God be our strength and comfort in this solemn season,” Bakare further prayed.
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