From Femi Mustapha, in Kaduna
The Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) has expressed profound sorrow over the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as a leader known for his simplicity, restraint, and calm approach to governance.
In a condolence message issued on Sunday and signed by its Secretary-General, Prof. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, the JNI stated that it received the news of Buhari’s passing in London “with deep sorrow,” offering prayers for Allah’s mercy and forgiveness for the late statesman.
Under the leadership of its President-General, His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, the JNI acknowledged Buhari’s lifelong dedication to ideals aimed at advancing national progress.
“His tenure, like those of all other leaders, came with challenges and efforts aimed at national development,” the organization remarked. It urged Nigerians to remember Buhari for his sacrifices and to strive for lives that are pleasing to Allah.
JNI prayed that Allah (SWT) accepts the good deeds for which Buhari worked, overlooks his shortcomings, and grants him mercy and forgiveness.
The organization extended heartfelt condolences to Buhari’s family, the government and people of Nigeria, and particularly to the people of Katsina State, praying that Allah grants them patience and comfort during this difficult time.
“Let us all be reminded that leadership and life are trusts that will one day come to an end, for which we will account before Allah, the Most High. May we live in ways that earn Allah’s pleasure. Amin,” JNI added.
Similarly, the Northern chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) expressed deep sorrow over Buhari’s death, describing him as a father figure whose leadership left a significant mark on Nigeria’s journey as a nation.
In a statement issued in Kaduna on Sunday, the Chairman of Northern CAN, Reverend Joseph John Hayab, noted that Buhari’s passing marked the end of a defining chapter in Nigeria’s political history.
“While Nigerians may have held divergent views on some of his policies, no one can deny Buhari’s strong sense of patriotism, discipline, and unwavering commitment to national unity,” Reverend Hayab stated.
He recalled Buhari’s contributions to Nigeria, first as a military ruler from January 1984 to August 1985, and later as a twice-democratically elected leader from 2015 to 2023, indicating that these contributions would continue to shape public discourse for many years.
Reverend Hayab particularly highlighted Buhari’s bold efforts against corruption, which began with the “War Against Indiscipline” in the 1980s and continued through his later initiatives as a civilian president.
He extended heartfelt condolences to former First Lady Aisha Buhari and the entire Buhari family, urging them to find solace in the lasting legacy of public service and sacrifice left by the late statesman.
He also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his prompt and respectful response to the national loss by declaring days of mourning and designating Vice President Kashim Shettima to lead a delegation to the United Kingdom to accompany Buhari’s remains back home.
He encouraged Nigerians across political, ethnic, and religious lines to honor the memory of the late President by promoting unity, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence.
“Regardless of differing opinions about his leadership, President Muhammadu Buhari deserves to be remembered with dignity and gratitude for the sacrifices he made in the service of our country,” the Northern CAN Chairman concluded.
Buhari died on Sunday afternoon at approximately 4:30 p.m. in a London hospital following a prolonged illness. In his honor, President Tinubu has directed that national flags be flown at half-mast across the country.
In response to Buhari’s death, the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation joined millions of Nigerians in mourning, describing him as a towering figure whose life embodied resilience, patriotism, and a profound commitment to national unity.
In a statement issued on Monday in Kaduna by its Director-General, Engr. Dr. Abubakar Gambo Umar, the Foundation expressed its deep sorrow upon hearing of Buhari’s passing on July 13.
The Foundation stated that Buhari’s life journey—from humble beginnings to becoming the Military Head of State between 1983 and 1985, and later the first Nigerian to unseat an incumbent President through the ballot in 2015—serves as a powerful testament to courage and determination.
“His re-election in 2019 further underscored the trust Nigerians placed in his vision for a better nation,” the statement noted, highlighting how Buhari’s tenure was characterized by significant reforms in security, infrastructure, and agriculture aimed at setting Nigeria on a development path.
