ABUJA- 14TH JULY 2025
The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, His Excellency Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, MON, has joined other prominent Nigerians in mourning the death of former President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, describing his passing as a painful national loss and a moment of deep reflection for the country.
In a statement signed by Principal Superintendent of Press, Patience Ituke, on behalf of the Director of Information and Public Relations, Ministry of Defence, the Minister eulogized the late President as a symbol of courage, discipline, and unwavering patriotism whose name will forever be etched in the annals of Nigerian history.
Dr. Matawalle noted that President Buhari’s leadership was one marked by a firm resolve to reposition Nigeria especially in the areas of national security, anti-corruption, and good governance. He credited the former leader for the remarkable improvements witnessed in the defence sector during his administration, particularly in equipping the Armed Forces, boosting troop morale, and reasserting Nigeria’s sovereignty in the face of mounting security threats.
He further highlighted Buhari’s rare integrity and commitment to national interest above all else, recalling that even in retirement, the former President remained a voice of reason and an elder statesman whose insights shaped conversations around unity, stability, and the future of Nigeria.
“President Muhammadu Buhari was more than a leader; he was an institution. His simplicity, humility, and sense of duty endeared him to millions. In a time when Nigeria faced one of its most turbulent security challenges, he stood firm in defense of the nation and gave our military the tools and backing needed to fight threats head-on,” Matawalle stated.
The Minister also underscored Buhari’s principled approach to leadership, citing his refusal to compromise on issues of national interest and his enduring vision of a united and self-reliant Nigeria as ideals that will continue to inspire generations of leaders to come.
According to Matawalle, the vacuum left by President Buhari’s passing is profound not just for his family and political allies, but for every Nigerian who believed in the ideals he stood for.
“The legacy he leaves behind is not just in policies or reforms, but in the values he embodied values that shaped a generation and rekindled hope in leadership founded on discipline, honesty, and love for country. His memory will continue to guide us as we strive to build the Nigeria of his dreams,” said the Minister.
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