Gambian President Barrow in Daura, pays glowing tribute to Buhari

By Aminu Daura

The President of the Republic of The Gambia, Adama Barrow on Friday said late Nigeria’s former President Muhammadu Buhari promoted peace and democracy across West Africa through ECOWAS, the African Union, and on the global stage.

“He stood for democracy, freedom, and justice,” Barrow said during condolence visit to the family of the President Buhari, at his hometown in Daura, Katsina State on Friday.

The Gambian President was received by the Secretary to the Katsina State Government, Alhaji Abdullahi Garba-Faskari, alongside members of the Buhari family.

He also noted that aside being a pillar of democracy, the late Buhari was steadfast supporter of The Gambia.

“President Buhari stood by us and the Gambian people to ensure that our democratic mandate was fully respected and implemented to its ultimate end,” he said.

Barrow said the late President was more than a leader to him personally.

“Every time I saw Buhari, I saw a father, a brother, and an uncle standing before me,” he added.

He added, “I feel deeply obliged for what President Buhari has done — not just for The Gambia, but for ECOWAS, the African Union, and Nigeria’s image across the world.

The Gambian leader extended his condolences to the Buhari family and the Nigerian people.

“We offer our heartfelt condolences to his family and to all Nigerians for the loss of a great man—one who helped shape who we are today,” he said.

In his remarks, Garba-Faskari described Barrow’s visit as a true reflection of African brotherhood.

He added that Buhari’s contributions to peace and stability in Nigeria and across the continent would never be forgotten.

Responding on behalf of the family, Yusuf, son of the late president, expressed heartfelt appreciation for the visit.

He said the gesture underscored the strong historical and diplomatic ties between Nigeria and The Gambia, as well as the late president’s enduring legacy in Africa.

Buhari who was Nigeria’s president from 2015 to 2023 recently died in London and was buried in Daura.

The deceased President was also Nigeria’s military head of state from 1984 to 1985.

Buhari supported Barrow to take over power in The Gambia from long time leader, Yahya Jammeh, in 2017.

Specifically, the late Nigerian President played a major role in ensuring smooth democratic transition in The Gambia even when Jammeh refused to step aside.

ECOWAS had appointed Buhari the Mediator in Chief on the Gambian political impasse.

(NAN))