Nigeria Mourns: Buhari’s Demise a Profound Loss, Says VP Shettima

Daura, Katsina State – The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, yesterday described the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari as a monumental loss not only to Nigeria but to the entire African continent. Speaking after a solemn prayer held at the late leader’s residence in Daura, Katsina State, Shettima conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s deep personal grief over Buhari’s death.

Former President Buhari, aged 82, died on Sunday, July 13, 2025, in London after a prolonged illness. His burial took place on Tuesday in his hometown of Daura, with President Tinubu and numerous dignitaries in attendance.

Shettima, who had visited the former President in London before his demise, emphasized the widespread condolences received by President Tinubu since the sad news broke. “Every soul shall taste the torment of death,” he stated, reminding all of the inevitability of mortality and the transient nature of life. The Vice President prayed for eternal rest for the late former President and for Allah to grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus, while also seeking divine protection for his surviving family.

“The President was personally pained by the loss,” Shettima reiterated, highlighting the close bond and respect between the current and former leaders. He confirmed that in consultation with President Tinubu, the Buhari family, and the Katsina State Government, a formal prayer ceremony would be held today, Thursday, by noon.

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Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umar Radda, echoed Shettima’s sentiments, calling Buhari’s death a great loss for the state, the nation, and Africa. Governor Radda urged leaders to uphold Buhari’s legacies of transparency, honesty, and accountability, noting that “Buhari lived and died for the people.” He expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima for their presence and support during this period of mourning.
Adding their voices to the tributes were Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, and Minister of Labour and Employment, Mohammed Maigari Dingyadi. Alhaji Idris praised the former leader’s virtues, while Dingyadi, who served in Buhari’s cabinet, commended his high sense of leadership and integrity, particularly his efforts in fighting corruption and improving the Nigerian economy.

The prayer session was attended by a host of prominent figures, including several cabinet ministers: Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim (Women Affairs), Senator Abubakar Kyari (Agriculture and Food Security), Alhaji Balarabe Abbas (Environment), Senator Abubakar Bagudu (Budget and Economic Planning), Lateef Fagbemi (SAN, Justice and Attorney General of the Federation), and Dr. Mariya Mahmoud (Minister of State for FCT). Also present were Prince Shaibu Abubakar (Mines and Steel Development), Barrister Bello Goronyo (Minister of State for Works), 2023 Labour Party Presidential candidate Mr. Peter Obi, former SGF Ambassador Babagana Kingibe, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former NIA Director General Ambassador Rufai Ahmed, former Minister of Aviation Senator Hadi Sirika, former Kaduna State Governor Malam Nasiru El-Rufai, former Minister of Communication and Digital Economy Prof. Ali Pantami, former FCT Minister Malam Musa Bello, the Emir of Daura, HRH Alhaji Umar Farouk, and former Minister of Water Resources Malam Suleiman Adamu, among others.

As Nigeria mourns the loss of a pivotal figure, tributes continue to pour in, remembering Muhammadu Buhari’s dual role as a military head of state and a democratically elected president, and his enduring impact on the nation’s political landscape.