Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Wednesday led members of the National Assembly to Daura in Katsina State to express their condolences to Governor Dikko Radda following the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
While addressing the governor during the visit, Akpabio paid heartfelt homage to the late Nigerian leader, describing him as “a patriot, a man of integrity, and a shining light who served Nigeria both as a military leader and democratically elected president.” He went on to recount the challenges encountered on their initial attempt to make the trip.
According to him, their flight was unable to land due to the temporary closure of the airport, forcing them to remain airborne for more than two hours before finally returning to Abuja. Despite the setback, Akpabio stressed that they were determined to complete the visit. “We insisted we must return today to honour a man who gave everything for Nigeria,” he stated.
Reflecting on the late president’s public service, Akpabio, who once served as a minister during Buhari’s administration, spoke of the values that defined his leadership. He pointed out that Buhari’s legacy would be remembered for its emphasis on discipline, modesty, and deep affection for the nation.
He also spoke about his personal connection to Katsina State and recalled a moment when he played a role in the establishment of the Faculty of Law at the Federal University in Dutsin-Ma. According to Akpabio, although there were suggestions to name the faculty after him, he insisted that the honour should go to Buhari instead.
The Senate President also used the occasion to commend Governor Radda’s commitment to leadership. He emphasized the special historical link between Katsina and Akwa Ibom States, both of which, he noted, came into existence on the same day.
He remarked that genuine progress and development do not stem from financial resources alone but from a leader’s sincere concern for the well-being of the people. “Development doesn’t come from money alone—it comes from love for the people,” he said.
In his remarks, Governor Radda expressed appreciation for the visit and reflected on his personal bond with the late president. He shared that since Buhari’s retirement from public office, he had made it a routine to visit him regularly, once every two or three weeks.
During these visits, Radda said the former president would always offer him words of advice. “He always reminded me to fear God, lead with justice, and love this country,” the governor noted.
He went on to describe Buhari as someone who may have appeared distant or reserved to outsiders but was warm, thoughtful, and uplifting when engaged in person.
According to Radda, Buhari’s death is a profound loss, not just for Katsina State, but for the entire nation and those who looked to him for guidance and inspiration. “His passing is a great loss to Katsina, to Nigeria, and to all of us who looked up to him as a father,” Radda concluded.
He also extended gratitude on behalf of the government and people of Katsina State to the Senate President and the visiting lawmakers for taking the time to offer their condolences in person.
What you should know
Before his death, Muhammadu Buhari served Nigeria both as a military ruler and as a democratically elected president.
Widely known for his reputation of discipline and incorruptibility, Buhari influenced Nigerian politics for decades and remained a revered figure in his native Katsina State, where he spent his retirement years receiving visitors and offering counsel.
