By Emmanuel Mogbede
Prominent Nigerian leaders and associates of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari have called on Nigerians to imbibe the virtues of integrity in service to the country as demonstrated by the former president.
They made the call while paying glowing tributes to Buhari at a solemn gathering organised to mark the first year remembrance of the late Nigerian leader in Abuja on Monday.
They described Buhari as a man of integrity, discipline and unwavering commitment to national service, whose legacy should inspire future generations.
In his remarks, a former Military Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, described the late former president as a gallant soldier and distinguished and respected Nigerian.
He said that Buhari did his best for the country, stressing that his sense of integrity knew no bounds.
Gowon said that on a personal side, Buhari was very close to him and was very supportive during difficult moments.
“After retirement, I was in the United Kingdom and I had no other source of paying my children’s school fees. I appealed to him and he made sure I had something to be able to pay the school fees of my children.
“This tells you that he takes care of all Nigerians and not only those from the north as some people had said,” he stated.
In his remarks, Gov. Dikko Radda of Katsina State, urged all Nigerians to imbibe the virtues and values that Buhari stood for.
Radda said that the people of his state remained immensely proud of the life Buhari lived, the values he represented and the enduring legacy he left behind.
Represented by his deputy, Malam Faruk Jobe, the governor said that the deseased belonged to that rare generation of leaders whose personal integrity became synonymous with public service.
He said that throughout Buhari’s military and civilian careers, he remained steadfast in his commitment to discipline, honesty, accountability, patriotism and national unity.
“Whether one agreed with all his policies or not, no one could reasonably question his sincerity of purpose, his simplicity of lifestyle and his unwavering commitment to the Nigerian project.
“This event is not merely a day of remembrance but a day of reflection, gratitude and renewed commitment to the ideals that defined this remarkable life.
“It is an opportunity for all Nigerians to pause and reflect on the enduring legacy of a man whose life was devoted to the service of our nation,” he said.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman, Central Organising Committee, Mr Boss Mustapha, said that the event was to reflect on a life of service and to preserve for future generations the memory of a man who devoted much of his adult life to the service of Nigeria.
“We remember a leader whose convictions shaped the decisions he took, whose sense of duty remained unwavering, and whose commitment to the Nigerian state defined his years in public service.
“As we remember President Muhammadu Buhari today, we are reminded that the true measure of public service lies not only in the offices one occupies, but also in the values and examples one leaves behind.
“It is our collective responsibility to draw lessons from his life and service to our nation as we continue on this journey,” Mustapha said.(NAN)