By John Moses
Dr Kayode Fayemi, former Governor of Ekiti State, has expressed profound sorrow over the passing of Nigeria’s former President, Muhammadu Buhari.
In a statement issued on Monday, Fayemi described Buhari as a man of unwavering conviction and resilience, noting that he was often misunderstood by many Nigerians.
He extended condolences to Buhari’s family, the government and people of Katsina State, and all Nigerians, urging prayers and collective support during this period of national mourning.
“President Buhari’s life was defined by resilience and an unyielding belief in the Nigerian project,” Fayemi said. “Despite facing multiple electoral defeats, he never abandoned his democratic aspirations. His eventual victories in 2015 and 2019 reflected not just his determination but also the trust millions of Nigerians placed in him.”
Fayemi, who served in Buhari’s cabinet as Minister of Mines and Steel Development, highlighted the former president’s impact on national infrastructure, citing large-scale projects such as road networks, rail revitalisation, and the completion of the Second Niger Bridge.
“He believed in building for the future, and his legacy in this regard will endure long beyond his time in office,” he added.
Fayemi, who chaired the APC Presidential Primary Convention that produced Buhari as the party’s candidate in 2014, also acknowledged the significant challenges Buhari faced, including economic and security issues.
“He was fundamentally a good man, often misjudged, yet driven by a sincere desire to see Nigeria flourish. History will treat him more kindly than the moment did,” Fayemi observed.
Concluding, Fayemi noted: “President Buhari has finished his course and fought a good fight. It now falls to us as leaders and citizens to realise his vision for a better Nigeria. May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may God grant his family and our nation the strength to bear this loss.”
