Abuja: Veteran journalist and former Commissioner for Information in Kwara, Alhaji Raheem Adedoyin, paid tributes to former President Muhammadu Buhari. Adedoyin, in a statement, described the passage of the former president as a great loss to the nation.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Adedoyin recalled that the former president had launched a fight against corruption, aiming to revitalise the economy and national institutions. He noted that Buhari would be remembered for his legacy of public service and impact on Nigerian politics.
Adedoyin shared his personal history with Buhari, stating he was not a fan during Buhari's time as Nigeria's military head of state. At that time, Adedoyin was in his final year at the University of Lagos and opposed Buhari's regime, which was marked by draconian decrees that resulted in the jailing of journalists. Despite this, Adedoyin acknowledged that Buhari transformed into a statesman of national value, becoming a national icon for his lifestyle and a folk hero.
Adedoyin, a fellow of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, also recalled personal interactions with Buhari. He mentioned receiving congratulatory messages from Buhari on two significant occasions in 2021: his 60th birthday and his election into the executive board of the International Press Institute representing Nigeria and Africa. The election was witnessed by a Federal Government representative from Nigeria.
Adedoyin concluded by praying for Buhari, asking God to grant the former president Aljanah Firdaus.