By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Correspondent
GLOBAL TRIBUTES have been pouring in following the death of Nigeria’s former president Muhammadu Buhari, who died in a London hospital at the age of 82 after weeks of medical treatment.
News of his passing, announced by his spokesperson Garba Shehu, has sparked a wave of condolence messages from within Nigeria and across the international community.
President Bola Tinubu declared seven days of national mourning and ordered flags flown at half-mast, describing his predecessor as a disciplined patriot whose actions were guided by an unyielding belief in Nigeria’s unity.
Buhari, who first came to power through a military coup in 1983, later returned as a democratically elected president, serving from 2015 until stepping down in 2023 after completing two constitutional terms.
During his military tenure, he was known for a strong anti-corruption stance, strict discipline, and efforts to secure Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
In his tribute, the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson, Mahmoud Youssouf, described the late Buhari as a Pan-Africanist and tireless advocate for regional cooperation.
He praised Buhari’s principled leadership and commitment to peace and multilateralism.
Similarly, Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed extended his condolences, standing in solidarity with Nigeria during its period of mourning.
Reactions also continued from West African leaders, with Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio calling Buhari’s passing a devastating loss and expressing sympathy on behalf of his nation.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) President Omar Touray mourned the late Nigerian leader as a distinguished statesman whose contributions significantly advanced democracy and regional integration across Africa.
Nigeria’s Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, expressed deep personal sorrow, sharing that she had only recently sent Buhari get-well wishes before learning of his passing.
She described his death as unbelievable and prayed for his peaceful rest.
International responses also arrived swiftly.
China’s Foreign Ministry and its embassy in Nigeria noted Buhari as a pivotal figure in China-Nigeria relations.
They highlighted his leadership in promoting national development and fostering bilateral cooperation, calling him a resolute leader whose legacy will endure in the shared history of both nations.
The United States described Buhari as a man whose life was defined by service and discipline.
The American Embassy in Nigeria noted his role in restoring integrity to public office and strengthening democratic institutions.
Turkey joined in the condolences, with its embassy expressing sorrow over Buhari’s death and extending prayers and sympathy to Nigerians.
The statement conveyed the Turkish people’s respect for Buhari’s contributions to Nigeria’s development and stability.
Similarly, leaders of Benin and Senegal sent in their tributes.
Patrice Talon, President of Benin, wrote: “I was saddened to hear today of the passing of President [Muhammadu Buhari] whom I’ve had the opportunity to work with on strengthening the ties between Benin and Nigeria,” as he posted on X (formerly Twitter).
And President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal said he celebrated “the memory of a key figure in Nigerian and African political life.”
Tomorrow Tuesday, Buhari will be buried in a modest ceremony in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State as already reported and President Tinubu is expected to attend the funeral, alongside other dignitaries.
