‘Your empathy touched our hearts deeply’ — Buhari’s family thanks Tinubu, global leaders for their support

The family of the late ex-President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed gratitude to Nigerians for the widespread support shown following his death.

Buhari passed away last week at the age of 82 in a clinic in London, United Kingdom.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Mamman Daura, nephew of the late Nigerian leader, conveyed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and his wife, Remi, for their roles before and after Buhari’s passing.

Daura, who spoke in a statement signed by Garba Shehu, spokesperson to the former president, said the outpouring of condolences and prayers brought solace during a time of deep sorrow.

“It is truly comforting to receive such support from the President and the Vice-President, Kashim Shettima, who went to the United Kingdom and later came to Daura, where he and the ministers spent several days during the mourning period,” the statement reads.

“These have instilled confidence in all of us to face this loss with courage.”

He commended Tinubu for declaring a public holiday and renaming the University of Maiduguri after Buhari, describing them as “thoughtful gestures”.

Daura acknowledged the sympathy of global leaders who reached out in different ways — by calls, letters, representatives, or personal visits.

“Of special note were those of the King of England, King Charles III, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, the Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, the chairman of the African Union, and that of the Committee of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS countries, and our former Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar,” he said.

He said the family draws strength from the solidarity shown by Nigerians and others despite the “irreplaceable” pain of losing their relative and former president.

Daura thanked Vice-President Shettima and his wife and extended appreciation to governors, particularly Dikko Radda of Katsina and Babagana Zulum of Borno.

He said governors from Adamawa, Kano, Kwara, Lagos, Kaduna, Imo, Nasarawa, Bauchi, Sokoto, and Kebbi also showed support.

He extended the family’s gratitude to former vice-presidents Atiku Abubakar, Namadi Sambo, Yemi Osinbajo, and Babagana Kingibe, while acknowledging former governors, including Peter Obi, for their kind words of condolence.

“We do sincerely thank the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Senator George Akume and his predecessor in office, Boss Mustapha, the current Chief of Staff, Honorable Femi Gbajabiamila and his predecessor, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, former and serving members of the cabinet in both administrations for their activities in these events and their comforting words,” Daura said.

“We are very pleased with the amazing gestures of our traditional leaders, notably the Sultan of Sokoto, the Shehu of Borno, the Emir of Gwandu, and the host emirs of Katsina and Daura, as well as the various emirs and chiefs from all over Nigeria and the neighboring countries who came in person or sent representatives.

“We have been honored by the large turnout of religious leaders, Islamic, Christian, and of other faiths, community leaders, women, youth, and politicians of various leanings, whose surge in Daura was both challenging and reassuring.

“The family in Daura is also thanking past and serving security and intelligence, police and military leaders, permanent secretaries, and the rank-and-file civil servants, community groups and associations, civil society, and the media of communications.

“The family expresses its appreciation to the nation’s business leaders who visited Daura, including Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Abdul Samad Isyaka Rabi’u, Alhaji Muhammadu Indimi, Alhaji Dahiru Mangal, Kola Adesina, and Nasiru Danu.

“We also take this opportunity to thank the entire citizens of this country and those of other nations represented by their missions in Nigeria.

“All of Nigeria came out in force to bury Buhari and condole with us and pray for him. We are deeply grateful for the visits, the condolence messages, and prayers on him. We are thankful to all.

“We respect your prayers as I and the family go through this period. May the Almighty Allah bless and reward you all.”(The Cable)