The Serving Overseer of Citadel Global Community Church (CGCC), Pastor Tunde Bakare, issued a tribute to Buhari, whom he described as “a dear elder statesman and compatriot.”
Bakare, who was a presidential running mate with Buhari in 2011 under the platform of Congress of Progressive Change, said that it was with deep sadness and solemn reflection, yet with much gratitude to God for an extremely impactful life, that he received the news of the
passing of a dear elder statesman and compatriot, President
Muhammadu Buhari.
He said: “This was a man whose destiny first intersected with mine in 1985, when
his policy interventions paved the way for a young lawyer at the crossroads.
“This was a man whose integrity and discipline gave hope to millions of Nigerians across the length and breadth of our nation.
“This was a man with a dream of a New Nigeria—a dream he lived for; a dream he worked tirelessly towards from his youth; a dream he pursued
persistently despite the challenges he encountered; a dream I had the privilege of teaming up with him in his tireless quest to fulfill; a dream that brought tears to his eyes; a dream, the heart of which he shared with
me in intimate conversations—a dream that revealed the soul of a man whose lifelong desire was to make life better for the ordinary Nigerian.”
Bakare added: “A colossus has departed our land—one for whom there can hardly be a replacement; one of whom only a few of his breed have straddled this land; one whose kind would be a tall order to find again.
“May history remember you well, my friend and compatriot. And may the New Nigeria you tried so hard to bequeath emerge, even after you have
departed.”
Bakare also expressed “deep condolences to his beloved wife, former First Lady,
Aisha Buhari, and to his children and grandchildren.
“May God, the husband of the widow and the father of the fatherless, fill the void.
And to our dear nation, Nigeria, may God be our strength and comfort in this solemn season.”
