President Cyril Ramaphosa, on behalf of the government and people of South Africa, has offered deep condolences to the government and nation of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, following the passing of former president Muhammadu Buhari.
Earlier, President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced that the retired major general Buhari (Rtd), his predecessor, died on Sunday at a hospital in the United Kingdom. He was 82 years old.
Ramaphosa offered his deep condolences to the family, friends, former colleagues and associates of the late president Buhari, who led Nigeria from 2015 to 2018.
Ramaphosa said: “As South Africa, we stand with the nation of Nigeria in your mourning. President Buhari led Nigeria as a patriot and a champion not only of the best attributes of his nation during his leadership, but of the future that awaited his great country.
“I had the privilege of working closely with President Buhari on building relations between our country and sharing numerous reciprocal visits – including during the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Ramaphosa.
Former Nigerian president Muhammadu Buhari
Ramaphosa said his engagements with Buhari were dedicated to intensifying cooperation in areas such as arts and culture, education, agriculture, trade and investment, mining, defence, immigration and science and technology.
“President Buhari’s leadership brought our two nations closer together and as we did so, this partnership contributed to Africa’s collective growth and development,” he said.
“This is a legacy on which we will continue to build.”
In Abuja, President Bola Tinubu described Buhari as a patriot, a soldier, a statesman.
“His legacy of service and sacrifice endures. He served Nigeria with unwavering dedication, first as a military leader from January 1984 to August 1985, and later as a democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023. Duty, honour, and a deep commitment to the unity and progress of our nation defined his life,” said Tinubu.
“He stood firm through the most turbulent times, leading with quiet strength, profound integrity, and an unshakable belief in Nigeria’s potential. He championed discipline in public service, confronted corruption head-on, and placed the country above personal interest at every turn.”
Tinubu also extended deep condolences to Tinubu’s wife Aisha, the former president’s children, and the entire Buhari family.
“The Federal Government will accord President Buhari full state honours befitting his towering contributions to our country. May Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus. And may his life continue to inspire generations of Nigerians to serve with courage, conviction, and selflessness,” said Tinubu.
Opposition parties have welcomed the placing of Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on special leave and the establishment of the commission of inquiry into allegations of political interference and links with criminal syndicates, while raising concerns.On Sunday, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that a Judicial Commission of Inquiry will be established and will be chaired by Acting Deputy Chief Justice, Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga.Ramaphosa also said that Professor Firoz Cachalia, an academic from […]
