Oluwatosin Enesi
Babangida, in the tribute recalled that he first met Buhari in 1962 when they both joined the army in Kaduna.
Babangida led the coup that led to the overthrow of Buhari as Nigerian military head of state in 1985 and went on to succeed him.
In his tribute, IBB, noted that though fate placed both of them in leadership at different times, and in very different circumstances, Buhari remained consistent in his belief in integrity, order, and the dignity of public office.
The former Nigerian military President also noted that Buhari served Nigeria with a deep sense of responsibility and unwavering commitment, even when the road was lonely or misunderstood.
“Beyond the uniform and the public glare, I knew him as a deeply spiritual man, a man who found solace in faith, and who carried himself with the humility of someone who believed in a higher calling.
He said in an emotion-laden tribute, ”It is with a deeply heavy heart that I received the news of the passing of my friend, my brother, my course mate, and a fellow soldier in the journey of nationhood — President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR.
“Our paths crossed in 1962 when we both joined the Nigerian Military Training College in Kaduna.
“From those early days, Muhammadu stood out — quiet yet resolute, principled yet humble, deeply patriotic and fiercely loyal to Nigeria.
“Through the years, we shared trenches and trials, dreams and disappointments, victories and moments of reflection.”
“Our bond was forged not only by military training, but by a shared commitment to the ideals of service, discipline, and love for country.”
According to IBB, in the course of their long careers, fate placed both of them in leadership at different times, and in very different circumstances.
He added, “But in all, Buhari remained consistent in his belief in integrity, order, and the dignity of public office.
“He served Nigeria with a deep sense of responsibility and unwavering commitment, even when the road was lonely or misunderstood.
“Beyond the uniform and the public glare, I knew him as a deeply spiritual man, a man who found solace in faith, and who carried himself with the humility of someone who believed in a higher calling.
“We may not have agreed on everything — as brothers often don’t — but I never once doubted his sincerity or his patriotism.”
The former military president said the passing of Buhari on Sunday was not just the loss of a former Head of State, or a two-term civilian President.
“It is the loss of a symbol — a man whose life embodied the transition of Nigeria from the old guard to the new republic.
“A man who, even in retirement, remained a moral compass to many, and an example of modesty in public life.
“To his beloved wife Aisha, his children, grandchildren, and the nation he loved and served — I extend my deepest condolences.
“May Allah (SWT), in His infinite mercy, forgive his shortcomings, accept his deeds, and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus.
“May his legacy endure, Ameen.”(NAN)
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