By Sani Danaudi Mohammed
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, all is vanity,” echoes the timeless wisdom. As we reflect on the life and legacy of former President Muhammadu Buhari, whose passing has left a profound sense of loss and nostalgia among Nigerians, we are reminded that everything on earth is indeed fleeting. The pomp and pageantry that accompanied his burial in Daura, with visitors from far and wide paying their respects, served as a poignant reminder of the transience of human greatness.
Despite his towering achievements and contributions to Nigeria’s development, Buhari’s demise underscores the impermanence of all earthly pursuits. As the nation mourns the loss of a leader who embodied humility and simplicity, we are compelled to ponder the true meaning of legacy and the values that will outlast us. In the face of mortality, what remains are the memories, the impact, and the lessons left behind a testament to the enduring power of a life well-lived.
The North will never forget the honour President Bola Ahmad Tinubu accorded to one of its great sons, the late President Muhammadu Buhari. By personally receiving Buhari’s body, attending his burial, and declaring a public holiday to honour his memory, Tinubu demonstrated a deep sense of respect and admiration for the late leader. These gestures reflected a strong sense of solidarity and camaraderie, and will likely be remembered for a long time, fostering unity and goodwill between leaders and people from different regions of Nigeria.
Following the demise of former President Muhammadu Buhari on July 13th, President Tinubu swiftly took several dignified actions to honor his predecessor’s legacy. Firstly, he directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to travel to the UK to accompany the late President’s body back to Nigeria, demonstrating his respect and commitment to ensuring a dignified return.
President Tinubu also declared a national mourning period, during which Nigerian flags would be flown at half-mast across the country. Additionally, condolence registers were opened in various ministries, departments, and agencies, allowing Nigerians to pay their respects to the late leader. This gesture allowed citizens to come together and mourn the loss of a significant figure in Nigerian history.
In further demonstration of his respect, President Tinubu declared a public holiday on Tuesday to honor late President Buhari’s burial. This decision underscored the significance of the occasion and allowed Nigerians to pay their final respects to the late leader. President Tinubu personally flew to Katsina and led the queue waiting for the arrival of the late President’s body, showcasing his commitment to paying homage to his predecessor.
The President took his show of respect a step further by traveling by road to Daura, where he witnessed the late President’s burial at his residence. This act symbolized the high esteem in which he held the late leader and his desire to honor his memory in a meaningful way. Furthermore, President Tinubu ordered key cabinet members, led by Senator George Akume, to stay behind and receive condolences on behalf of the Federal Government, ensuring that the government continued to function while still paying respects to the late President.
In a special gesture, President Tinubu held a valedictory Federal Executive Council meeting in honor of late President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR at the Presidential Villa, with the late President’s family in attendance led by Yusuf Buhari. This meeting served as a fitting tribute to the late leader’s legacy and allowed the Federal Executive Council to pay their respects to his memory.
The recent events surrounding Buhari’s burial further underscored Tinubu’s character as a trusted ally. From directing the Vice President to accompany Buhari’s body to Nigeria to personally receiving the body and attending the burial, Tinubu’s actions spoke volumes about his commitment to honoring his fellow leader. His gestures, both symbolic and practical, demonstrated a profound respect for Buhari’s legacy and a deep sense of friendship. In a world where political allegiances can often be fleeting, Tinubu’s actions towards Buhari stand out as a rare display of true friendship and loyalty.
As Daura welcomed visitors from far and wide for President Buhari’s burial, the nation reflected on the life and legacy of a leader who served Nigeria with distinction. Rising to prominence as the country’s Head of State and later as an elected President, Buhari’s journey was marked by significant milestones. One aspect that resonated with many was his commitment to a modest life, a quality that stood out in an era often marked by opulence and excess.
The world took notice of Buhari’s humility and simple living, qualities that are increasingly rare among leaders. His modest lifestyle served as a testament to his dedication to public service rather than personal aggrandizement. However, the question remains whether Nigeria’s ruling class has taken heed of the lessons that can be drawn from Buhari’s life and legacy. Will they embrace the values of humility, simplicity, and service that he embodied?
As Nigerians bid farewell to President Buhari, they also reflected on the kind of leadership the country needs moving forward. Buhari’s legacy offers valuable lessons on integrity, hard work, and commitment to public service. The challenge now lies in whether these lessons will be internalized and applied by the current and future generations of leaders. Only time will tell if the ruling class will draw inspiration from Buhari’s example and strive to emulate his virtues in their own service to the nation.
The demise of Muhammadu Buhari serves as a poignant reminder of the transience of worldly pursuits. Everything in this world is vanity, including wealth, power, and education. These fleeting possessions cannot guarantee eternal significance. What truly lasts is not the years one ruled or the riches one accumulated, but the legacies left behind.
History is replete with examples of powerful leaders and wealthy individuals who eventually met their mortal demise. Take, for instance, Muammar Gaddafi, Slobodan Milošević, and Saddam Hussein – all once-wielders of immense power, now reduced to mere footnotes in history. Similarly, wealthy icons like Howard Hughes and J. Paul Getty, who amassed enormous riches, ultimately left behind only their legacies.
The impermanence of human life underscores the importance of building lasting legacies. Rather than fixating on ephemeral gains, one should strive to leave a positive impact on humanity. By doing so, individuals can transcend the limitations of mortality and achieve a form of timeless significance. The pursuit of enduring legacies, rather than fleeting wealth or power, is what truly defines a life well-lived.
The passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari sent shockwaves across Nigeria, with the nation collectively mourning the loss of a leader who shaped the country’s history in profound ways. YouTube recorded over 56 million views worldwide, with Nigerians paying tribute to the late President, many with tears in their eyes, as they remembered his contributions and legacy. The outpouring of grief was palpable, with the North, in particular, feeling the weight of his departure.
However, amidst the grief, President Tinubu’s gesture brought solace to Nigerians. His actions in honor of the late President, including attending his burial and declaring a public holiday, were seen as a testament to the enduring impact of Buhari’s leadership. Institutions, including the renaming of the University of Maiduguri to Muhammadu Buhari University, will serve as a lasting tribute to his memory, ensuring his legacy continues to inspire future generations of Nigerians.
Nigerians learned valuable lessons from the life and legacy of former President Muhammadu Buhari. One key takeaway is the importance of building genuine relationships and friendships that transcend politics and power. The friendship between Buhari and President Bola Tinubu serves as a shining example of this. Tinubu’s unwavering loyalty and respect towards Buhari, both during his lifetime and in death, demonstrate the value of having true friends who stand by you through thick and thin.
Another crucial lesson is that it’s not about having millions of acquaintances, but rather having a few genuine friends like Tinubu who can stand with you in times of need. Tinubu’s actions, from receiving Buhari’s body to attending his burial, show that he values their friendship and is willing to go the extra mile to honor his memory. This kind of loyalty and friendship is a rare gem in today’s world, and Nigerians can learn from the bond between these two leaders.
As I watched the events unfold, my heart ached with every step of the somber procession. The arrival of late President Buhari’s body from the Nigerian Air Force base was a poignant moment, with tears streaming down the faces of those who had gathered to pay their respects. The grief was palpable as his family, led by Aisha Buhari, walked alongside First Lady Olurenmi Tinubu, clad in dignified black attire, a testament to the respect and solidarity that transcended politics.
The scene was particularly emotional as I watched Yusuf Buhari, the late President’s son, being consoled by dignitaries and well-wishers. The loss was clearly dear and overwhelming, yet Yusuf’s courage in the face of such immense grief was a source of comfort. His composure, despite the pain, was a beacon of strength, and it personally consoled me amidst the outpouring of emotions that filled the air. The moment was a powerful reminder of the human side of leadership and the enduring impact of President Buhari’s legacy.
Reflecting on the graveside, witnessing the gathering of esteemed individuals, the solemnity of the moment was overwhelming. The late President Buhari’s body, once draped in the Nigerian national flag, was finally stripped of its ceremonial attire, leaving him clad in simple white, just like any ordinary Nigerian. It was a poignant reminder of the equality that lies beyond titles and positions that we are all the same in the eyes of our creator. As I watched, I couldn’t help but feel the weight of mortality, as if bidding farewell to a great leader who had left to meet his maker.
The moment the protocols and formalities faded away, leaving only the late President alone in his final rest, it struck a chord deep within me. It was a stark reminder of the transience of life and the inevitability of our journey’s end. Watching these scenes unfold is a profound lesson in humility, mortality, and the fleeting nature of human achievements. The sadness of that moment lingers, a reminder that, despite our differences in status or position, we are all human beings, subject to the same fate. It’s a century lesson, indeed, one that resonates deeply with anyone who witnesses such a scene.
This was the poignant moment when President Bola Ahmad Tinubu GCFR bid farewell to his friend and brother, Muhammadu Buhari, marking the final goodbye as the late President’s journey on earth came to an end. The emotional scene underscored the deep bond and camaraderie between the two leaders, as Tinubu paid his last respects to a man he held in high esteem.
May the repose soul of late President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR rest in Jannatul Firdausi, Ameen.
