Abuja: UN Secretary-General Ant³nio Guterres has expressed deep sadness on the passing of former Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari. Guterres, in a statement issued by his spokesperson, St©phane Dujarric, praised Buhari's key role in promoting regional peace and security in West Africa.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the UN chief highlighted Buhari's commitment to the sovereignty, stability, and development of Nigeria. During his tenure, Buhari played a crucial role in advancing regional peace in West Africa and the Lake Chad Basin. The UN Secretary-General also recognized Buhari as a strong advocate for multilateral and regional cooperation.
The Secretary-General extended his heartfelt condolences to Buhari's family, the Government, and the people of Nigeria during this time of national mourning. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Ms. Amina Mohammed, the UN's second-highest-ranking official, visited the Nigeria House in New York on Monday to pay tributes to the late former President.
Mohammed, who served under Buhari as Minister of Environment and earlier at the Petroleum Trust Fund, signed the condolence register and prayed for the peaceful repose of his soul. She described the late leader as a man of unwavering discipline, conviction, and patriotism, whose legacy would endure beyond Nigeria's borders.
Buhari died on Sunday at a private clinic in London at the age of 82.