Former Governor of Ekiti State and ex-Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as a resilient and visionary leader who remained committed to Nigeria’s progress despite being misunderstood by many.
In a personally signed statement released on Monday, Fayemi extended heartfelt condolences to the Buhari family, the government and people of Katsina State, and the entire nation, urging Nigerians to offer prayers and support during this period of national mourning.
“President Buhari’s life was defined by resilience and an unyielding belief in the Nigerian project,” Fayemi stated. “He contested and lost multiple presidential elections but never gave up. His eventual victories in 2015 and 2019 were a testament to his tenacity and the trust reposed in him by millions of Nigerians.”
Fayemi, who served in Buhari’s cabinet as Minister of Mines and Steel Development and played a key role in the 2014 APC Presidential Primary that produced Buhari as the party’s flagbearer, lauded the former President’s focus on infrastructural development.
According to him, Buhari’s administration undertook some of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in Nigeria’s recent history, including extensive road networks, the revival of the rail sector, and the completion of the Second Niger Bridge.
“He believed in building for the future. His legacy in infrastructure development will endure for generations,” Fayemi said.
While acknowledging the challenges that marked Buhari’s tenure—including economic difficulties and security concerns—Fayemi insisted that the late president was “a fundamentally good man, driven by a genuine desire to see Nigeria succeed.”
“History will be kinder to him than the moment allowed,” he added. “He faced enormous trials but remained steadfast in his commitment to the unity and progress of Nigeria.”
Fayemi concluded by calling on Nigerians to honour Buhari’s legacy by striving toward the stable, united, and prosperous country he envisioned.
“President Buhari has fought the good fight and finished his course. It is now up to us to build upon the foundation he laid. As we mourn his departure, let us also celebrate a life of service and sacrifice,” he said.
“May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may God grant his family and our nation the strength to bear this great loss.”
Buhari died on Sunday in a London hospital after a brief illness at the age of 82. Funeral arrangements are yet to be announced.
