Buhari family thanks Tinubu, others for support after ex-president’s passing

By Abdullahi Lukman
The family of late former President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, his wife Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and all Nigerians for honouring the former president with a befitting state burial.
A statement issued at the weekend and signed by the late President’s former spokesman, Malam Garba Shehu, says the most senior family member, Malam Mamman Daura, acknowledged the comforting gestures and assistance provided by the government before and after Buhari’s demise.
The family specifically lauded President Tinubu’s declaration of a public holiday and renaming of the University of Maiduguri after the late President Muhammadu Buhari.
They also extended their appreciation to Vice President Kashim Shettima, who travelled to the United Kingdom and Daura during the mourning period, along with various ministers.
The Buhari family also acknowledged and thanked numerous international and national leaders for their condolences. King Charles III of England, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, the Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, the Chairman of the African Union, and the Committee of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS countries were specifically mentioned. Former Nigerian Head of State Abdulsalami Abubakar also received thanks for his commiseration.
On the national front, the family expressed gratitude to state governors, particularly Dr. Dikko Umar Radda of Katsina State and Professor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State, as well as Governors of Adamawa, Kano, Kwara, Lagos, Kaduna, Imo, Nasarawa, Bauchi, Sokoto, and several former governors, including Mr. Peter Obi.
Malam Mamman Daura also extended appreciation to former Vice Presidents Atiku Abubakar, Architect Namadi Sambo, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, and Ambassador Babagana Kingibe.
The family also thanked the leadership and members of the National and State Assemblies, including the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajuddeen Abbas.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, his predecessor Boss Mustapha, the current Chief of Staff Honorable Femi Gbajabiamila, and his predecessor Professor Ibrahim Gambari, along with former and serving cabinet members, were acknowledged for their visits and expressions of goodwill.
Traditional rulers, including the Sultan of Sokoto, the Shehu of Borno, the Emir of Gwandu, and the host emirs of Katsina and Daura, along with other emirs and chiefs from Nigeria and neighboring countries, were also recognized for their visits and representations.
The Buhari family expressed profound gratitude for the large turnout of religious leaders, community leaders, women, youth, and politicians of various leanings in Daura.
Past and serving security and intelligence officials, police and military leaders, civil servants, community groups, civil society organizations, and the media were also thanked for their support.
Nigerian 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, also received the family’s appreciation.
Malam Shehu said the family also extended their thanks to all Nigerian citizens and representatives of other nations for condolence messages and prayers.
He said: “All of Nigeria came out in force to bury Buhari and condole with us and pray for him. The family concluded by requesting continued prayers as they navigated this difficult period.