NATION MOURNS A GIANT-Former President Muhammadu Buhari Dies in London.-Tinubu Declares National Mourning, Full State Honours

By Raymond Enoch

Nigeria was plunged into deep mourning on Sunday following the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR. The 81-year-old former military ruler and two-term civilian president passed away in a London hospital after a protracted illness.The announcement, first confirmed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was followed by a solemn national address from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who described his predecessor as “a patriot, a soldier, a statesman” and a man who lived with “unwavering dedication” to Nigeria.“He stood firm through the most turbulent times, leading with quiet strength, profound integrity, and an unshakable belief in Nigeria’s potential,” President Tinubu said in a moving statement issued late Sunday evening.President Tinubu disclosed that he had been in contact with Buhari’s wife, Aisha, and extended condolences to the entire Buhari family, the people of Katsina State, and the Daura Emirate, Buhari’s ancestral home.In honour of the former president, all national flags are to fly at half-staff for seven days, starting immediately. Tinubu has also summoned an emergency Federal Executive Council session for Tuesday, which will be held in Buhari’s honour.The Federal Government will accord full state honours to the late leader, whose legacy spans his early military rule (1984–1985) and his historic return as a democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023 — the first opposition candidate to defeat an incumbent in Nigeria’s history.Describing Buhari’s rule, Tinubu said,“He championed discipline in public service, confronted corruption head-on, and placed the country above personal interest at every turn.”The late Buhari, a former Major General, was known for his firm leadership style, anti-corruption crusade, and austere personal life. His death marks the end of an era for a man whose presence shaped Nigeria’s political and military landscape for over four decades.As Nigerians across the country begin to reflect on his legacy, the government has promised further announcements regarding funeral arrangements and official memorials in the coming days.“May Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus,” Tinubu prayed.With Buhari’s passing, Nigeria says goodbye to one of its most enduring figures — a man whose disciplined march through history left deep footprints on the sands of national life.