The family of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari has extended deep and heartfelt appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, distinguished international dignitaries, fellow Nigerians, and well-wishers around the world for their overwhelming show of support, solidarity, and condolences during the period of mourning and the burial of the former Nigerian leader.
Speaking on behalf of the bereaved family, Malam Mamman Daura, a respected statesman, nephew to the late president, and the most senior member of the Buhari household, delivered the message of gratitude on Sunday. The statement was released to the public by Garba Shehu, a longtime aide and former spokesperson to President Buhari.
According to Mamman Daura, the family has been overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of national and global sympathy extended to them during what he described as a time of “irreparable loss” and “pain beyond words.” He expressed special appreciation to President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima for their active involvement and physical presence both in the United Kingdom and later in Daura, Katsina State, where the burial took place.
“It is truly comforting to receive such support from the President and the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, who went to the United Kingdom and later to Daura, together with ministers, during the mourning period. These have instilled confidence in all of us to face this loss with courage,” Daura stated.
The family particularly commended President Tinubu for his thoughtful gestures, including the declaration of a national holiday in honour of the late president and the renaming of the University of Maiduguri after him, both of which they described as symbolic and deeply meaningful tributes to Buhari’s legacy.
International leaders were also recognized for their messages of condolence. Among those mentioned were King Charles III of the United Kingdom, UN Secretary-General António Guterres, Deputy UN Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, leadership from the African Union, and ECOWAS representatives. The family also noted with appreciation the tribute paid by former Nigerian Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar.
Special thanks were extended to Vice President Shettima and his wife, as well as numerous state governors who reached out or visited during the mourning period. The family made particular mention of Governor Dikko Umar Radda of Katsina State and Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State. Delegations from Lagos, Kaduna, Imo, Kwara, Kano, and other states were also acknowledged.
The family noted with gratitude the participation and condolences from prominent political figures such as former governors Peter Obi, former Vice Presidents Atiku Abubakar, Namadi Sambo, Yemi Osinbajo, and Ambassador Babagana Kingibe. The leadership of the National Assembly was appreciated, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, and Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin.
Recognition was also given to high-ranking government officials such as Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila. The family acknowledged the presence and prayers of religious leaders from both Islamic and Christian communities, including traditional rulers such as the Sultan of Sokoto and the Shehu of Borno.
The statement extended appreciation to civil society organizations, youth and women’s groups, members of the media, and Nigeria’s security services for their roles in ensuring that the final rites were conducted in a dignified and peaceful manner.
From the private sector, several notable business figures were recognized for their unwavering support, including Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Abdul Samad Rabiu, Alhaji Muhammadu Indimi, Alhaji Dahiru Mangal, Kola Adesina, and Nasiru Danu.
“We also take this opportunity to thank the entire citizens of this country and those of other nations represented by their missions in Nigeria. All of Nigeria came out in force to bury Buhari and condole with us and pray for him,” the statement concluded.
In closing, the family offered a prayer of gratitude and blessing: “May the Almighty Allah bless and reward you all.”