Deji Elumoye in Abuja 

The Buhari family of Daura in Katsina State on Sunday appreciated all those who participated in the burial and prayers for the patriarch of the family, ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, who died on Sunday, July 13, 2025 in a London hospital after a prolonged illness.

A release issued by former spokesperson to late Buhari, Malam Garba Shehu, stated that the Buhari family expressed deep appreciation particularly to President Bola Tinubu, Vice-President Kashim Shettima, King Charles III of England, the United Nations Secretary General, some state governors and other dignitaries, as well as all Nigerians for both the prayers and burial of late former Nigerian President, Buhari.

The press release issued by Garba on behalf of the Buhari family stated, inter alia: “The most senior member of the Buhari family, the family of the late President, Muhammadu Buhari, Malam Mamman Daura, has, on behalf of the family expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his wife, the First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu for their role and that of Government of the Federation before, and after the passing of the former president.

“It is truly comforting to receive such support from the president and the Vice-President, Kashim Shettima, who went to the United Kingdom, and here in Daura, for the days he and the ministers spent during the mourning period. These have instilled confidence in all of us to face this loss with courage.

“We are deeply grateful to the president on his thoughtful gestures in declaring a public holiday and renaming the University of Maiduguri after Buhari. 

“Our gratitude also goes to leaders of the various countries around the globe who either came in person, sent representatives, sent letters, or placed personal telephone calls to commiserate with us. Of special note were those of the King of England, King Charles III, the Secretary General of the United Nations, the Deputy Secretary General, Amina Mohammed, the Chairman of the African Union, and that of the Committee of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS countries, and our former Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar.

“Muhammadu Buhari’s demise is an irreparable loss and its pain is beyond words, but the general reaction and kind  expressions give us the strength to cope with the loss of our esteemed family member and former leader of the country.

“The family is equally grateful to Vice-President Kashim Shettima in his own person and his wife, and to all state governors, especially those of Katsina, the host governor, Dr Dikko Umar Radda;  Professor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State and all those who visited us in the UK and Daura from Adamawa, Kano, Kwara, Lagos, Kaduna, Imo, Nassarawa, Bauchi, Sokoto, Kebbi as well as the several former governors, including Dr Peter Obi for their compassionate words of condolence. Your empathy has touched our hearts deeply, and we are truly grateful for your kindness.

“We express our deep appreciations to former Vice-Presidents Atiku Abubakar, Architect Namadi Sambo, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, and Ambassador Babagana Kingibe, as well as to the President of Senate, Godswill Akpabio, the Speaker, House of Representatives, Honorable Tajuddeen Abbas, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin and the other leaders and members of the National and State Assemblies.

“We do sincerely thank the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume and his predecessor in office, Boss Mustapha, the current Chief of Staff, Honorable Femi Gbajabiamila and his predecessor, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, former and serving members of the cabinet in both administrations for their activities in these events and their comforting words.

“We are very pleased with the amazing gestures of our traditional leaders, notably  the Sultan of Sokoto, the Shehu of Borno, the Emir of Gwandu and the host emirs of Katsina and Daura, as well as the various emirs and chiefs from all over Nigeria and the  neighboring countries who came in person or sent representatives.

“We have been honored by the large turnout of religious leaders, Islamic, Christian and of other faiths, community leaders, women, youth and politicians of various leanings whose surge in Daura was both challenging and reassuring.

“The family in Daura is also thanking past and serving security and intelligence, police and military leaders, permanent secretaries, and the rank and file civil servants, community groups and associations, civil society, and the media of communications.

“The expresses it appreciation to the nation’s business leaders who visited Daura in the persons of Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Abdul Samad Isyaka Rabi’u, Alhaji Muhammadu Indimi, Alhaji Dahiru Mangal and Kola Adesina. 

“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. We are deeply grateful for the visits, the condolence messages, and prayers on him. We are thankful to all. 

“We respect your prayers as I and the family go through this period. May the Almighty Allah bless and reward you all.”

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