Ramaphosa Pays Tribute to Late Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari: ‘A Champion of Unity’

Buhari’s death marks the end of an era in Nigerian and continental leadership

President Cyril Ramaphosa has joined African leaders in mourning the passing of former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, remembering him as a steadfast leader, African patriot, and an architect of closer ties between South Africa and Nigeria.

The retired military general and two-term civilian president passed away in the United Kingdom on Sunday at the age of 82, according to an official announcement by current Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Ramaphosa, expressing condolences on behalf of the South African people and government, said he was “deeply saddened” by Buhari’s passing and hailed his “dedication to Nigeria and to the unity of Africa.”

A President Who Bridged Two Nations

Ramaphosa described Buhari as more than a statesman, calling him a champion of diplomacy and shared African progress, particularly highlighting the late president’s efforts in strengthening bilateral cooperation.

“I had the privilege of working closely with President Buhari,” said Ramaphosa. “He led Nigeria as a patriot and a champion not only of the best attributes of his nation but also of the future that awaited his great country.”

During Buhari’s presidency, the two leaders engaged in numerous diplomatic exchanges, even under the constraints of the COVID-19 pandemic, collaborating on a wide range of initiatives spanning education, agriculture, trade, defence, mining, arts, and science.

“President Buhari’s leadership brought our two nations closer together,” Ramaphosa said, “and this partnership contributed to Africa’s collective growth and development.”

An Enduring Legacy of Discipline and Integrity

From the Nigerian side, President Tinubu offered a powerful tribute to his predecessor, calling Buhari “a patriot, a soldier, a statesman.”

Tinubu, who served as Buhari’s political ally before succeeding him in 2023, lauded the late president’s military discipline, anti-corruption stance, and commitment to public service.

“Duty, honour, and a deep commitment to the unity and progress of our nation defined his life,” Tinubu said. “He stood firm through the most turbulent times, leading with quiet strength, profound integrity, and an unshakable belief in Nigeria’s potential.”

Full State Honours and National Mourning

The Federal Government of Nigeria will accord Buhari full state honours, Tinubu confirmed, to recognise his pivotal role in the country’s history, both as a military leader in the 1980s and a democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023.

Condolences have poured in from across the globe, including messages of sympathy to Buhari’s widow, Aisha Buhari, his children, and extended family.

“May Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus,” said Tinubu. “May his life continue to inspire generations of Nigerians to serve with courage, conviction, and selflessness.”

A Shared Loss for Africa

Buhari’s passing resonates far beyond Nigeria’s borders. As a continental voice on peacekeeping, anti-corruption, and economic cooperation, his leadership often shaped AU policy positions and set the tone for intra-African diplomacy.

Ramaphosa’s words reflect this shared sense of loss: “This is a legacy on which we will continue to build.”

In a time of growing political uncertainty and economic hardship across parts of the continent, Buhari’s death is a stark reminder of the leadership void many African countries face. It also rekindles the question of how to sustain his legacy of pan-African cooperation, integrity in public office, and the dream of a more united, prosperous Africa.

As South Africa joins Nigeria in mourning, it also acknowledges the indelible mark Muhammadu Buhari has left on the continent, as a soldier, a statesman, and a symbol of service.

{Source: IOL}

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