United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, on Friday, paid tribute to late former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari and personally conveyed the UN’s solidarity with the government and people of Nigeria.
Guterres, during his visit to Nigeria House in New York, described Buhari as a leader whose unwavering dedication to Nigeria, Africa and global cooperation will stand as his lasting legacy.
It was gathered that Guterres signed the condolence register during his visit.
“On behalf of the United Nations, I extend my heartfelt condolences on the passing of His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari.
“President Buhari will be remembered for his steadfast commitment to selfless service, his leadership in advancing peace and stability across the African region and his dedication to strengthening institutions in Nigeria.
“President Buhari was also a great supporter of the United Nations and a strong voice for multilateralism, solidarity and sustainable development around the world,” Guterres wrote in the register.
Guterres concluded his condolence message, “In this moment of loss, our thoughts are with his family, the government and the people of Nigeria.”
The UN Chief reflected on his working relationship with the former Nigerian president and praised his lifetime of service.
“I had the privilege to work with President Buhari, and I will say I am a great admirer of his extraordinary work.
“Not only in defence of the interest of his own country, Nigeria, but in his commitment to the African continent, to sustainable development and very particularly to the United Nations and multilateralism,” he said.
Speaking on his contributions to West Africa’s peace and security, Guterres described the late Nigerian leader as a crucial stabilising figure for the region.
“I think President Buhari has been a leading personality in defending the interests of West Africa and, in a very difficult context, in affirming Nigeria’s leadership,” he said.
The UN chief expressed gratitude for the former Nigerian president’s contributions to West Africa’s peace and security.
Guterres expressed sympathy to Buhari’s family, the Nigerian government, and people, stating that he will be remembered as a true servant leader whose legacy will inspire future generations.
The Chargé d’Affaires of Nigeria’s Permanent Mission to the UN, Mr Syndoph Endoni, thanked Guterres for his condolence visit.
Bola Asaju and the Mission’s Head of Chancery, Mr Razak Lawal, were among the personnel who welcomed the UN head during his condolence visit.
Buhari controlled Nigeria as a military leader from 1983 to 1985 before returning as a democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023.
Buhari, 82, died on Sunday in a London hospital and was buried in his hometown of Daura, Nigeria, on Tuesday.
