Just In: Obasanjo Speaks on Buhari's Death Amid Tears in Nigeria

• Former Nigerian president, Muhammadu Buhari, died at The London Clinic, United Kingdom (UK), at the age of 82
• Buhari's death was announced by his key ally, Garba Shehu, via a post on X (formerly Twitter)
• Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Sunday night, July 13, paid tribute to the immediate past President, Muhammadu Buhari

Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering public affairs.

Abeokuta, Ogun state - Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, on Sunday, July 13, described the immediate past President, Muhammadu Buhari, as a patriot who tried his best in the quest to give the country needed progress and development.

According to a statement obtained by Legit.ng, Obasanjo, 88, said he received the news of the death of his former colleague in the military and ex-President with a heavy heart.

Obasanjo mourns Buhari

Dozens of eminent Nigerians are mourning Buhari's death. Obasanjo joined the mourners.

'Obj', as Obasanjo is fondly called, said:

"It is with heavy heart, that I received this afternoon, of the passing of a colleague, a comrade , a cool patriot, General Muhammadu Buhari, who as a soldier , he played his role as a soldier. As an administrator, he played his role as an administrator, as a statesman, he played his role as a statesman, of course."

He added:

"At a time like this, we need the totality, of the experience and what I may call statesmanship of all those who have had opportunities to run the affairs of this country to get us out of the situation we are in, he will be surely missed. May his soul rest in perfect peace."

Watch Obasanjo's video below:

The man, Muhammadu Buhari

Legit.ng reports that Buhari governed Nigeria with a strong hand as a military ruler in the 1980s before reinventing himself as a "converted democrat", serving two terms from 2015 to 2023.

For critics, Buhari's time in office failed to turn around long-standing issues like graft, poverty, and armed violence, and there were allegations of rights abuses by security forces.

Buhari's frequent trips for medical treatment during his presidency attracted criticism about transparency and worries about leadership during some of his longer absences.

The deceased spent nearly three months away receiving treatment in Britain.

Although the nature of his ailment was never made public, Buhari once confessed he had "never been so ill" as during one trip and that he had received several blood transfusions.

Buhari was born under British colonial rule on December 17, 1942.

His election victory in a country where re-election for the incumbent had been taken for granted was seen as a rare opportunity for Nigeria to change course.

Many of those who supported him thought his military background and disciplinarian credentials were what the country needed to get to grips with the insurgency in the north. Buhari also promised to tackle corruption and nepotism in government, and create employment opportunities for young Nigerians. But his time in office coincided with a slump in global oil prices and one of the country's worst economic crises in decades.

Buhari's burial

Meanwhile, it has emerged that Buhari will be buried in his hometown of Daura, Katsina state.

According to TVC News, Buhari will be laid to rest tomorrow, Monday, July 14, in Daura.

Source: Legit.ng