By Rotimi Agbana

The family of the late President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, First Lady Senator Remi Tinubu, and Nigerians across the globe for the outpouring of support following Buhari?s death.

In a statement signed by Buhari?s media aide, Garba Shehu, on Sunday, the most senior member of the Buhari family, Malam Mamman Daura, conveyed the family?s gratitude on behalf of the late president?s relatives.

?It is truly comforting to receive such support from the President and the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, who went to the United Kingdom, and here in Daura, for the days he and the ministers were present during the mourning period. These have instilled confidence in all of us to face this loss with courage.

?We are deeply grateful to the President for his thoughtful gestures in declaring a public holiday and renaming the University of Maiduguri after Buhari?, the statement partly read.

The family also extended thanks to world leaders who reached out in condolence.

?Our gratitude also goes to leaders of various countries around the globe who either came in person, sent representatives, sent letters, or placed personal telephone calls to commiserate with us. Of special note were those of the King of England, King Charles III; the Secretary-General of the United Nations; the Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed; the Chairman of the African Union; and that of the Committee of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS countries, and our former Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar?, it continued.

Describing Buhari?s death as ?an irreparable loss,? the family said the overwhelming display of kindness has been a source of strength.

The statement added, ?Muhammadu Buhari?s demise is an irreparable loss, and its pain is beyond words, but the general reaction and kind expressions give us the strength to cope with the loss of our esteemed family member and former leader of the country.?

The family recognised governors, former political leaders, and other dignitaries who paid their respects.

?The family is equally grateful to Vice President Kashim Shettima in his own person and his wife, and to all state governors?especially those of Katsina, the host governor Dr. Dikko Umar Radda; Professor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State?and all those who visited us in the UK and Daura from Adamawa, Kano, Kwara, Lagos, Kaduna, Imo, Nassarawa, Bauchi, Sokoto, Kebbi, as well as the several former governors, including Dr. Peter Obi, for their compassionate words of condolence. Your empathy has touched our hearts deeply, and we are truly grateful for your kindness.

?We express our deep appreciation to former Vice Presidents Atiku Abubakar, Architect Namadi Sambo, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, and Ambassador Babagana Kingibe, as well as to the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio; the Speaker, House of Representatives, Honourable Tajudeen Abbas; Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin; and the other leaders and members of the National and State Assemblies?, it continued.

Also acknowledged were senior government officials, traditional rulers, and former cabinet members.

?We do sincerely thank the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and his predecessor in office, Boss Mustapha; the current Chief of Staff, Honorable Femi Gbajabiamila, and his predecessor, Professor Ibrahim Gambari; former and serving members of the cabinet in both administrations for their activities in these events and their comforting words.

?We are very pleased with the amazing gestures of our traditional leaders?notably the Sultan of Sokoto, the Shehu of Borno, the Emir of Gwandu, and the host emirs of Katsina and Daura?as well as the various emirs and chiefs from all over Nigeria and the neighbouring countries who came in person or sent representatives.

?We have been honoured by the large turnout of religious leaders?Islamic, Christian, and of other faiths?community leaders, women, youth, and politicians of various leanings whose surge in Daura was both challenging and reassuring?, the statement added.

The statement further appreciated the nation?s civil servants, security institutions, media, and business moguls for their solidarity.

The family in Daura is also thanking past and serving security and intelligence officials, police and military leaders, permanent secretaries, the rank and file civil servants, community groups and associations, civil society, and the media.

The family expresses its appreciation to the nation?s business leaders who visited Daura in the persons of Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Abdul Samad Isyaka Rabi?u, Alhaji Muhammadu Indimi, Alhaji Dahiru Mangal, Kola Adesina, and Nasiru Danu.

?We also take this opportunity to thank the entire citizens of this country and those of other nations represented by their missions in Nigeria.?

?All of Nigeria came out in force to bury Buhari and condole with us and pray for him. We are deeply grateful for the visits, the condolence messages, and prayers on him. We are thankful to all.?

?We respect your prayers as I and the family go through this period. May the Almighty Allah bless and reward you all?, the family concluded. (PUNCH)

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