- Describes him as brother, friend and a patriot
From John Adams, Minna
Former Military President General Ibrahim Babangida has paid a tribute to the late former President Mohammadu Buhari, describing him as a brother, friend a patriot, saying that his passing today is not just the loss of a former Head of State, or a two-term civilian President but It is the loss of a symbol.
General Babangida in a statement in Minna and personally signed said
“It is with a deeply heavy heart that I received the news of the passing of my friend, my brother, my course mate, and a fellow soldier in the journey of nationhood President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR.
Going on a memory lane, the former Military President disclosed that he first met the late Buhari when both of the joined the Nigerian Military Training College Kaduna in 1962.
“Our paths crossed in 1962 when we both joined the Nigerian Military Training College in Kaduna. From those early days, Muhammadu stood out quiet yet resolute, principled yet humble, deeply patriotic and fiercely loyal to Nigeria”
He added further that through the years, both of them 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”.
Babangida maintained that in the course of their long careers, fate placed both of them in leadership at different times, and in very different circumstances, adding however that, “in all, Buhari remained consistent in his belief in integrity, order, and the dignity of public office.
“He served Nigeria with a deep sense of responsibility and unwavering commitment, even when the road was lonely or misunderstood”.
Babangida in the statement stated further that beyond the uniform and the public glare, he knew the late Buhari as a deeply spiritual man, a man who found solace in faith, and who carried himself with the humility of someone who believed in a higher calling.
“We may not have agreed on everything as brothers often don’t but I never once doubted his sincerity or his patriotism.
“His passing today is not just the loss of a former Head of State, or a two-term civilian President. It is the loss of a symbol”.
According to him the late former President was a man whose life embodied the transition of Nigeria from the old guard to the new republic.
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A man who, even in retirement, remained a moral compass to many, and an example of modesty in public life”
He therefore extend his heart felt sympathy and condolences to his beloved wife Aisha, his children, grandchildren, and the nation he loved and served.
He then prayed that Allah (SWT), in His infinite mercy, forgive his shortcomings, accept his deeds, and grant him eternal rest.
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