What Tinubu told Buhari’s widow during his visit to Kaduna

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

President Bola Tinubu on Friday paid a condolence visit to the Kaduna residence of the late President Muhammadu Buhari, pledging that his administration would uphold the values and principles that defined Buhari’s leadership.

The President was warmly received by Buhari’s widow, Mrs Aisha Buhari, their eldest son, Yusuf, and other members of the family.

Speaking during the visit, President Tinubu described Buhari’s passing as a national loss but reassured the family that the late leader’s ideals would continue to shape Nigeria’s governance.

“We are here to let you know that you are not alone in this moment of grief,” Tinubu said.

“A loss in flesh is not a loss in spirit. The spirit that President Buhari left with us is one of hard work, dedication, patriotism and honesty. We will continue to uphold these values and preserve the legacy he left for Nigeria. May God keep us united as a nation and guide us to the promised land,” he added.

In an emotional response, Mrs Buhari expressed gratitude to the President, the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and other government officials for their solidarity.

She described the visit as a source of great comfort, noting that her late husband lived and governed by the principles of honesty, integrity and justice.

She urged Nigerians to emulate his virtues and prayed for peace, unity, and the success of President Tinubu’s administration.

The President was accompanied by a high-powered delegation that included Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; Governors Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara, Mai Mala Buni of Yobe, Babagana Zulum of Borno, and Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto.

Also in attendance were the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu; Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle; and National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

Earlier in the day, President Tinubu attended the wedding of Nasirudeen Abdulaziz Yari, son of Senator Abdulaziz Yari, who represents Zamfara West. The ceremony took place at the historic Sultan Bello Mosque in Kaduna.

The President, alongside senior government officials, formally received the groom’s hand in marriage after the bride’s representative, Ibrahim Ashiru, confirmed payment of the N1 million dowry.

Tinubu commended both families for upholding noble traditions and advised the young couple to build their home on a foundation of faith, love, and mutual respect.

The event, attended by dignitaries including traditional rulers, business leaders, and politicians, was marked by prayers for the couple, the President, and the nation. Renowned cleric Sheikh Abdullahi Bala Lau and Chief Imam of the mosque, Dr Muhammad Suleiman, led the prayers.