Departed former President Muhammadu Buhari’s family has thanked President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima,the Nigerian public, and
global dignitaries for their support during his mourning and funeral rites .
Malam Mamman Daura, the most senior member of the Buhari household, on the family’s behalf on Sunday, conveyed their gratitude for the tributes, condolences, and presence of dignitaries from across the nation and beyond.
According to the statement released to the media by Garba Shehu, former presidential spokesperson and longtime aide to the late President Buhari:
“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 to Daura, together with ministers, during the mourning period. These have instilled confidence in all of us to face this loss with courage”.
He praised President Tinubu for his thoughtful gestures, including the declaration of a national holiday in Buhari’s honour and the renaming of the University of Maiduguri after the late statesman, saying “we are deeply grateful to the President”.
The family also acknowledged the condolences received from international leaders, noting messages from King Charles III of the United Kingdom, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, the Chairman of the African Union, and the leadership of ECOWAS, as well as Nigeria’s former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar.
Describing Buhari’s death as “an irreparable loss” and “pain beyond words,” the family said the immense national and international sympathy had given them strength in their time of grief.
Special appreciation was extended to Vice President Shettima and his wife, along with governors across the federation who offered their condolences in person or through representatives.
Particular mention was made of Governors Dikko Umar Radda of Katsina and Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno, and visitors from Adamawa, Kano, Kwara, Lagos, Kaduna, Imo, Nasarawa, Bauchi, Sokoto, and Kebbi States. Former governors, including Dr. Peter Obi, were also acknowledged.
It thanked former Vice Presidents Atiku Abubakar, Namadi Sambo, Yemi Osinbajo, and Ambassador Babagana Kingibe, as well as the leadership of the National Assembly—Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, and Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin.
Also appreciated were the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; his predecessor, Boss Mustapha; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; and his predecessor, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, as well as former and serving cabinet members who participated in the funeral arrangements.
Traditional rulers were not left out in the wave of gratitude. The Sultan of Sokoto, the Shehu of Borno, the Emir of Gwandu, and the host emirs of Katsina and Daura were among those commended for their solidarity, alongside other monarchs and chiefs from Nigeria and neighbouring countries.
Malam Daura also acknowledged the presence and prayers of religious leaders from Islamic, Christian, and other faith communities, as well as the massive turnout of politicians, youth, women’s groups, and civil society actors who converged on Daura to pay their respects.
The statement further expressed thanks to past and present military, police, and intelligence leaders; senior civil servants and bureaucrats; media practitioners; and community-based organisations for their roles in honouring the late President.
In a significant nod to the private sector, the Buhari family expressed appreciation to business leaders who visited Daura, including Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Abdul Samad Rabiu, 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”, the statement read.
The family concluded by calling for continued prayers and asking God to bless all who stood by them during their bereavement.
“May the Almighty Allah bless and reward you all,” the statement said.
