Former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Betta Edu has bemoaned the demise of Nigeriaβs former President, Muhammadu Buhari, describes him as a just man and dignity who had the love and admiration of millions of Nigerians.
In a condolence message to the Buhari family, which she personally signed, Dr. Edu described the former presidentβs passing as painful, shocking, and a monumental national loss.
Dr. Edu said: βThe passing of His Excellency, former President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR), is a great loss to Nigeria. His shocking and painful demise has plunged the country into mourning and grief.
βHis death is a monumental national loss which has brought about deep sorrow and pain not only to his immediate family and close associates, but also to the entire nationβ
Dr Edu extolled Buhariβs sterling virtues while alive and stressed that βhe was indeed a symbol of strength and dignity. βHe was a very firm and decisive leader!β
βPresident Buhari was a just man; a great leader who showed love and compassion to the poor, vulnerable, and downtrodden in society.
βDespite the high offices he had held in the land, he was spartan and unassuming; he was simplicity personified, attaching no importance or value to material possessions.
βWhen he was President, he exuded composure, decorum, and a sense of duty, even in the most trying times. His presence alone inspired reflection, order, and restraint. β
Dr. Edu described as humongous, the former Presidentβs Buhariβs contributions to the development of Nigeria, saying his death is a personal loss to president, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress, (APC) given that his wise counsel, guidance and unwavering support will be sorely missed.
βThe younger generation of Nigerians will also miss President Buhariβs invaluable mentorship and support he was known for.
βOn a personal note, his demise leaves me with a teary eyes because former President Buhari was a leader to me. I remember with fond memories, how, during Covid 19, he graciously gave me the opportunity to serve in the Presidential Taskforce on COVID-19; after which he appointed me into the National Health Reform committee as the Representative of National council on health and supported my emergence as the National Chairman of the Nigerian Health Commissioners Forum. Amongst other recognitions.
βThe late former President also found me worthy of serving as the National woman leader of the APC at a young age, I was indeed less than 35 when most of all these opportunities for leadership was bestowed on me. His support for me and other young Nigerians was immeasurable, βDr. Edu further said
While consoling the former presidentβs wife, Dr. Aisha Buhari, his children (especially Halima Buhari), his extended family, Kastina State government, the federal government, and all Nigerians, Dr. Edu called for prayers and a moment of reflection as the nation grapples with the grim reality of the loss of its immediate past leader.
Her words: βI implore us all, as a people of faith, to pray for peace in our hearts and strength to bear the weight of his absence and this irreparable loss!
βMay Almighty Allah, Most Gracious and Most Merciful, forgive his shortcomings, accept his return, and grant him eternal rest in Aljannatul Firdaus.
Ameen,β the statement read.