By John Moses
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has offered its condolences to the family, friends and associates of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 82 in a London hospital after a prolonged illness.
In a statement issued on Monday in Abuja, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, acknowledged that while Buhari’s tenure had its challenges, he served Nigeria with dedication and a deep sense of duty.
“His contributions to Nigeria’s development and his commitment to public service form a significant part of our national history,” Okoh noted. “We join all Nigerians in mourning his loss, and pray that Almighty God grant his family and loved ones the strength to bear this loss. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” he added.
Elsewhere, Alhaji Bala Ibrahim, Secretary to the Jigawa State Government (SSG), also expressed sorrow over Buhari’s passing, describing him as a gentleman and national father who dedicated his life to the unity and progress of Nigeria.
“We have truly lost the conscience of our nation,” Ibrahim said in Dutse on Monday. “May Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him the highest place in Jannatul Firdaus.”
Similarly, Mr Najib Falalu, Chairman of Buji Local Government Council in Jigawa State, described Buhari’s death as a profound loss not only for his immediate family but for the entire country.
He praised Buhari’s enduring contributions to Nigeria’s democratic journey and commitment to national development. “We pray that Almighty Allah grants his soul eternal rest and gives his family and Nigerians the fortitude to bear the loss,” Falalu said.
Buhari previously served as Nigeria’s military Head of State from 1984 to 1985, and later as a democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023.
