By Segun Giwa/Alaba Olusola Oke

Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has mourned the passing of former president of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Buhari died in the United Kingdom (UK) on Sunday after a protracted illness.

This is contained in a statement personally signed by Aiyedatiwa and made available to newsmen on Sunday in Akure.

Aiyedatiwa said he received the news of Buhari’s demise in the afternoon and described it as “one death that grieves but faith in God Almighty who gives and takes is unshakable”.

“I commiserate with the immediate family of our deceased leader on the passing of their illustrious son, great grandfather, grandfather, father and husband.

“My deepest condolences go to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on the passing of his predecessor.

“I also condole with Gov. Dikko Radda of Katsina State, his people and government, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and all Nigerians at large.

“Former president Buhari lived a fulfilled life. He was audacious, prudent, contented, strong-willed and compassionate.

“President Buhari was a man who valued his integrity and couldn’t hide his feelings.

“He was jocular and could make anyone smile even in difficult situations. This, he displayed when I, alongside other progressive governors, met him in Sokoto three months ago.

“We can only take solace in his fulfilled life while we pray to Allah to grant him the best of paradise in the hereafter. Farewell, great General, patriot and leader,” he said.

Also, Dr Bakitta Bello, the Caretaker Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State, described the former president as a man that had the interest of Nigerians at heart.

Bello added that some of the policies of Buhari’s administration as a military head of state were meant to sanitise the polity.

“I could see him as a serious leader who appeared to have had the interest of his people at heart and also appeared to be close to the people.

“Some of his policies during the military administration endeared him to the people,” he said.

Similarly, a socio-cultural organisation, Atunluse Initiative, described the late president as someone Nigerians perceived as a disciplinarian and an anti-corruption crusader.

The Chairman of the Atunluse Initiatives, Otunba Akinsola Akinbobola, stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Akure.

Akinbobola, a former Senior Special Assistant to former Governor Mimiko of Ondo State on Political and Mobilisation, said Buhari “had tried his best for the country and gone”.

Akinbobola prayed for the family’s fortitude to bear the loss of their patriarch and urged leaders in the county “to understand that nothing lasts forever”. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ayodeji Alabi