The family of late President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and a wide array of national and international dignitaries for their overwhelming show of support during the burial and mourning period of Nigeria’s former leader.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Malam Mamman Daura, Buhari’s nephew and the most senior family member, extended heartfelt thanks to President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for their exceptional roles before and after the passing of the late president.
“It is truly comforting to receive such overwhelming support from the President and Vice President, who not only honored us here in Daura but also personally visited us in the United Kingdom during the mourning period,” Mamman Daura said. “These kind gestures gave us the strength to face this profound loss with courage.”
He praised President Tinubu for declaring a public holiday in Buhari’s honor and for renaming the University of Maiduguri after the late statesman, calling the actions “touching and deeply appreciated.”
The family also acknowledged the outpouring of sympathy from international dignitaries, including King Charles III of England, UN Secretary General António Guterres, Deputy UN Secretary General Amina Mohammed, the African Union Chairman, and ECOWAS Heads of State. “Their words and presence gave us great comfort in this time of grief,” Daura noted.
Among the many national figures appreciated were state governors, former leaders, traditional rulers, and religious figures from across the country. Special mention was made of Governors Dikko Umar Radda (Katsina), Babagana Umara Zulum (Borno), and leaders from Adamawa, Kano, Kwara, Lagos, Kaduna, Imo, Nassarawa, Bauchi, Sokoto, and Kebbi.
Former presidential candidates and ex-governors, including Dr. Peter Obi, also received praise for their personal visits and condolences. The family highlighted the warm gestures of former Vice Presidents Atiku Abubakar, Namadi Sambo, Yemi Osinbajo, and Ambassador Babagana Kingibe.
Leadership of the National Assembly, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker Tajuddeen Abbas, and Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, were also appreciated for their roles in honoring Buhari’s legacy.
The family extended thanks to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, his predecessor Boss Mustapha, current Chief of Staff Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, former Chief of Staff Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, and members of the federal cabinet for their presence and support.
Traditional leaders across Nigeria also received accolades. The Sultan of Sokoto, Shehu of Borno, Emir of Gwandu, and the host Emirs of Katsina and Daura were among the many royal dignitaries who either visited personally or sent emissaries.
“We were humbled by the overwhelming show of unity and respect from religious leaders—Muslim, Christian, and others—who joined us in Daura,” Mamman Daura stated. “The outpouring of support from women groups, youth associations, community leaders, and politicians of all affiliations has been both challenging to manage and heartwarming to witness.”
Concluding the message, the Buhari family reaffirmed that the legacy of the late president would continue to live on, buoyed by the dignity and respect accorded to him in life and death.
“We will forever be grateful for your prayers, solidarity, and tributes that have helped us navigate this difficult moment with strength and grace.”
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