The family of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and numerous national and international dignitaries for their solidarity and support during the mourning and burial of the elder statesman.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Malam Mamman Daura, the most senior member of the Buhari household, conveyed heartfelt gratitude in a statement signed by presidential aide, Garba Shehu.
According to the statement, the Buhari family is particularly grateful to President Tinubu for his thoughtful leadership in the wake of the loss, including the declaration of a national public holiday and the renaming of the University of Maiduguri in honor of the late President.
The family also acknowledged the compassion and presence of Vice President Shettima, who traveled to the United Kingdom and later to Daura to be with them during the mourning period.
“These gestures have strengthened us and given us courage in this period of grief,” Malam Mamman Daura noted.
The statement also recognized global support, with special mentions of King Charles III of England, UN Secretary-General António Guterres, Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, the African Union leadership, ECOWAS Heads of State, and Nigeria’s former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar.
The family extended gratitude to several serving and former Nigerian governors who either visited in person or sent condolences. These included Dr. Dikko Umar Radda of Katsina, Prof. Babagana Zulum of Borno, and governors from Adamawa, Kano, Kwara, Lagos, Kaduna, Imo, Nasarawa, Bauchi, Sokoto, and Kebbi States.
Former Anambra Governor Peter Obi was also acknowledged for his compassionate outreach.
They also thanked former Vice Presidents Atiku Abubakar, Namadi Sambo, Yemi Osinbajo, and Ambassador Babagana Kingibe, alongside Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, and numerous members of the National and State Assemblies for their expressions of sympathy.
Gratitude was extended to Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; his predecessor Boss Mustapha; Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila; former Chief of Staff Prof. Ibrahim Gambari; and other senior government functionaries.
The Buhari family also commended the roles played by Nigeria’s traditional leaders, including the Sultan of Sokoto, the Shehu of Borno, the Emir of Gwandu, and the Emirs of Katsina and Daura, as well as royal fathers from across Nigeria and neighboring countries.
The outpouring of sympathy from religious leaders of Islamic, Christian, and other faiths, as well as community leaders, women and youth groups, civil society organizations, and the general public, was also acknowledged.
Notable Nigerian business leaders including Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Abdul Samad Rabiu, Alhaji Muhammadu Indimi, Alhaji Dahiru Mangal, Kola Adesina, and Nasiru Danu were appreciated for their visits and kind gestures.
“All of Nigeria came out in force to bury President Buhari and condole with us.
Your visits, condolence messages, and prayers have comforted us greatly. May Almighty Allah bless and reward you all,” the statement concluded.
