by Emmanuel Abi Couson
Former Military President of Nigeria, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd), and DG World Trade Centre Dr Ngozi Okonjo Iweala has paid tribute to Late President Muhammadu Buhari
IBB in an emotional release signed by him described the late Buhari as his longtime friend, course mate, and fellow statesman, as well as a resolute patriot and moral compass whose life was defined by service, discipline, and integrity.
Reacting to the news Ngozi Okonjo Iweala via twitter stated it is “unbelievable ! I did not know just how ill HE President Buhari was and minutes after sending my get well wishes I have just learned that he passed away. I am so very sad. May the Soul of HE @MBuhari rest in perfect peace. My deepest condolences to the entire Buhari family and his close aides and associates.”
General Babangida said that he received the announcement “with a deeply heavy heart,” noting that the late leader’s life and legacy would remain etched in the history of Nigeria’s nationhood.
“Our paths crossed in 1962 when we both joined the Nigerian Military Training College in Kaduna,” IBB recalled. “From those early days, Muhammadu stood out — quiet yet resolute, principled yet humble, deeply patriotic and fiercely loyal to Nigeria.”
Babangida noted that their bond extended beyond the military barracks, forged through shared experiences in leadership and national service over the decades.
“In the course of our long careers, fate placed both of us in leadership at different times, and in very different circumstances,” he said. “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.”
Reflecting on the late president’s personal virtues, IBB described him as a “deeply spiritual man” who found strength in faith and conducted himself with humility. He acknowledged that, like true brothers, they may have had differences but were always united by love for country.
“We may not have agreed on everything — as brothers often don’t — but I never once doubted his sincerity or his patriotism,” Babangida emphasized.
Calling Buhari’s death “not just the loss of a former Head of State, or a two-term civilian President,” IBB said the nation had lost a symbol — one who embodied the evolution of Nigeria’s leadership across eras.
“A man who, even in retirement, remained a moral compass to many, and an example of modesty in public life,” the former military ruler added.
General Babangida extended his condolences to Buhari’s widow, Aisha, his children, grandchildren, and the entire nation.
