From Femi Mustapha, in Kaduna
The North was plunged into deep mourning on Sunday following the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari. Leading regional bodies and political leaders described his passing as the end of a remarkable era in Nigeria’s history.
Buhari, who died in a London hospital on Sunday, was hailed by the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) as a towering figure whose public life spanned nearly six decades of military and civilian leadership, leaving an indelible mark on Nigeria’s governance landscape.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Tukur Muhammad-Baba, the ACF expressed great sadness at Buhari’s demise, noting that the late elder statesman was one of only four surviving former Nigerian Heads of State until his death. The Forum chronicled Buhari’s storied career, recalling how he first served as Military Governor of the defunct Northeastern State (now split into six states), before becoming Federal Commissioner (Minister) of Petroleum Resources and then rising to Head of State from 1983 to 1985 following a military coup.
According to the ACF, “General Buhari led a life full of momentous activities. He was a recurring figure in policy and governance circles in Nigeria for nearly the past 60 years and actively participated in the Nigerian Civil War, which ended with the unification of Nigeria.”
The ACF acknowledged that Buhari’s long years of public service were not without controversies, emphasizing that his time as both a military ruler and as a twice democratically elected President from 2015 to 2023 would continue to generate debates among historians and citizens alike.
“It is to be expected that some of the controversies and memories associated with his legacy will be analyzed,” the Forum noted. “However, no Nigerian alive today enjoys the love and loyalty of the Nigerian downtrodden, especially in the North, like the late President Muhammadu Buhari.”
The ACF extended heartfelt condolences to Buhari’s family, the government and people of Katsina State, and Nigerians at large. “We mourn General Buhari and pray for the peaceful repose of his soul in Aljanna Firdaus,” they concluded.
In a separate tribute, Kaduna State Governor Senator Uba Sani expressed his condolences, describing Buhari’s death as a national tragedy and a deeply personal loss for the people of Kaduna.
Governor Sani honored Buhari as “a towering figure in our national life: a soldier, statesman, reformer, and, above all, a beloved leader of the people.” He stated that the late President lived with “quiet dignity and unwavering commitment to the service of Nigeria,” championing the hopes and struggles of the ordinary Nigerian — the talakawa — with uncommon conviction.
“Though a military General, he chose the difficult path of democratic reinvention,” Sani noted. “He believed deeply in the rule of law, due process, and the supremacy of the people’s will. Kaduna mourns this great son of Nigeria, who was more than a leader to us; he was a moral compass, a father figure, and a steady voice in times of uncertainty.”
He extended condolences to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Buhari family, the government and people of Katsina State, and all Nigerians “now united in remembrance,” praying to Almighty Allah to grant Buhari eternal rest in Aljannatul Firdaus.
A leading northern youth group, the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF), also paid glowing tribute to the late leader, describing him as a symbol of integrity whose passing has left a vacuum in the nation’s moral and political fabric. AYCF President-General Yerima Shettima, in a statement issued in Kaduna, remarked that Buhari’s death marked “the end of an era in Nigerian politics,” urging all Nigerians to honor his memory by working harder toward national unity and progress.
“To his immediate family, we extend our deepest sympathies. The loss of a father, grandfather, and husband is immeasurable, and we stand with you in this time of grief,” the youth body stated.
The AYCF called on citizens to draw inspiration from Buhari’s life and steadfast principles. “Let us reflect on the lessons learned from President Buhari’s life and strive for a Nigeria that embodies his vision of integrity, unity, and progress.”
Barely two hours after the announcement of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s death in a London hospital, sympathizers began gathering at his residence on Sultan Lane in Kaduna to pay their respects. Among the early visitors was former Minister of Water Resources, Alhaji Suleiman Adamu, who confirmed to The Nation that Buhari’s remains would be flown home for burial in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State.
Although it was unclear which close family members were present to receive mourners, numerous neighbors were seen standing solemnly along the street, some in tears, quietly sharing memories of the late Nigerian leader. Security was tightened in anticipation of the gatherings.
