Nigeria's former leader Buhari to be buried on Tuesday, official says
Buhari, a former military ruler after a coup in the 1980s, returned to frontline politics to become the first Nigerian president to oust an incumbent through the ballot box in 2015. He was re-elected for a second term four years later.
Nigeria's Vice President Kashim Shettima and government officials were in London on Monday to organize the repatriation of the former president's remains.
Katsina state governor Dikko Umaru Radda said after consultation with Buhari's family it was agreed the body would arrive in Nigeria on Tuesday for burial the same day in his home town of Daura.
Among those who paid tribute to Buhari was Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who posted on X platform that 'his wisdom, warmth and unwavering commitment to India–Nigeria friendship stood out.'
Buhari earned a devoted following for his brand of anti-corruption conviction politics, especially in Nigeria's largely Muslim north.
He referred to himself as a 'converted democrat' and swapped his military uniform for kaftans and prayer caps.
Ibrahim Babangida, another former military ruler who toppled Buhari in a coup in 1985, said he knew Buhari as a deeply spiritual and humble man.
'We may not have agreed on everything — as brothers often don't — but I never once doubted his sincerity or his patriotism,' Babangida said in a statement.
After leaving office in 2023, Buhari spent most of his time in Daura, away from the public eye.
His successor Bola Tinubu inherited a country grappling with double digit inflation, foreign exchange shortages, economic hardship, low oil production and insecurity that had spread to most parts of Nigeria.
Buhari's supporters, however, viewed him as Nigeria's conscience because he had a reputation for shunning the corruption and ostentatious lifestyles often associated with the country's political elites.
To his critics, Buhari was 'an absentee landlord — a leader who governed by delegation, who disappeared for long stretches (often to London for medical treatment), and whose aloofness felt like abandonment,' the local BusinessDay newspaper said.
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Arab News
8 hours ago
- Arab News
Nigeria's former leader Buhari to be buried on Tuesday, official says
LAGOS: Nigeria's late former President Muhammadu Buhari, who died in a London clinic on Sunday aged 82, will be buried in his northern home state of Katsina on Tuesday, the state governor said. Buhari, a former military ruler after a coup in the 1980s, returned to frontline politics to become the first Nigerian president to oust an incumbent through the ballot box in 2015. He was re-elected for a second term four years later. Nigeria's Vice President Kashim Shettima and government officials were in London on Monday to organize the repatriation of the former president's remains. Katsina state governor Dikko Umaru Radda said after consultation with Buhari's family it was agreed the body would arrive in Nigeria on Tuesday for burial the same day in his home town of Daura. Among those who paid tribute to Buhari was Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who posted on X platform that 'his wisdom, warmth and unwavering commitment to India–Nigeria friendship stood out.' Buhari earned a devoted following for his brand of anti-corruption conviction politics, especially in Nigeria's largely Muslim north. He referred to himself as a 'converted democrat' and swapped his military uniform for kaftans and prayer caps. Ibrahim Babangida, another former military ruler who toppled Buhari in a coup in 1985, said he knew Buhari as a deeply spiritual and humble man. 'We may not have agreed on everything — as brothers often don't — but I never once doubted his sincerity or his patriotism,' Babangida said in a statement. After leaving office in 2023, Buhari spent most of his time in Daura, away from the public eye. His successor Bola Tinubu inherited a country grappling with double digit inflation, foreign exchange shortages, economic hardship, low oil production and insecurity that had spread to most parts of Nigeria. Buhari's supporters, however, viewed him as Nigeria's conscience because he had a reputation for shunning the corruption and ostentatious lifestyles often associated with the country's political elites. To his critics, Buhari was 'an absentee landlord — a leader who governed by delegation, who disappeared for long stretches (often to London for medical treatment), and whose aloofness felt like abandonment,' the local BusinessDay newspaper said.
Leaders
a day ago
- Leaders
Nigeria's Former President Muhammadu Buhari dies at 82
Nigeria's former President Muhammadu Buhari, who led Africa's most populous nation first as a military ruler and later as a democratically elected leader, died on Sunday in London at the age of 82, the presidency said. President Bola Tinubu said in a statement that Buhari died at about 4:30 p.m. (1530 GMT) following a prolonged illness. He did not disclose the nature of the illness. 'The family of the former president has announced the passing on of the former president, Muhammadu Buhari, this afternoon in a clinic in London,' Garba Shehu, who served as Buhari's spokesman, wrote on social media. Tinubu said he had spoken with Buhari's widow and directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to travel to the United Kingdom to accompany the former leader's body back to Nigeria. He also ordered national flags to be flown at half-mast in Buhari's honour. Buhari first came to power as a military ruler following a coup in 1983 but was overthrown in 1985. After years in the political wilderness, he re-emerged as a civilian politician, winning the presidency in 2015 and serving two terms until 2023. His presidency was marked by persistent rumours about his health, which intensified during frequent trips abroad for medical treatment. The nature of his illness was never publicly disclosed, but Buhari once said he had 'never been so ill' and confirmed receiving blood transfusions. His extended medical absences drew criticism over a perceived lack of transparency and raised concerns about the state of governance during his time abroad. The repeated foreign trips also underscored the weaknesses of Nigeria's own healthcare system, a point often raised by critics. Buhari is survived by his wife and children. Further details on funeral arrangements were not immediately available. Short link : Post Views: 116
Al Arabiya
a day ago
- Al Arabiya
South African president suspends police minister and launches probe into alleged links to criminals
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