By Abdulkareem Haruna

London – Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum arrived at a London clinic Sunday afternoon, hours after the sad news emerged that former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari had died there while receiving treatment. 

The governor arrived in London to join Vice President Kashim Shettima, whom President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had directed to the British capital to facilitate the repatriation of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s remains.

The late Buhari, who once served as military governor of the former North-Eastern State (headquartered in Maiduguri), demonstrated unique concern and affection for Borno during his presidency, a state with which he shared deep historical ties.

Governor Zulum’s office had simultaneously released a statement conveying his “deep shock and immense sorrow” at the news of Mr. Buhari’s death, describing the loss as “colossal” for Nigeria’s nascent democratic journey.

“It is with profound sadness that I learned of the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari while receiving treatment at a London Clinic today,” the statement, signed by Dauda Iliya, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, read on Sunday, July 13, 2025.

For Borno State, a region grappling with prolonged insurgency and humanitarian crises, Mr. Buhari held a particularly significant place. He served as the first military governor of the old Borno State from February 3, 1976, to March 15, 1976, a period that laid foundations for some of the state’s early development. Governor Zulum acknowledged this historical bond, noting Mr. Buhari’s “critical role in the development of the state, Northeast region and the country at large.”

“On behalf of myself, government and the good people of Borno State, I wish to send our heartfelt condolences to the family of former President Muhammadu Buhari, and our deep sympathies are with the people and government of Nigeria, Katsina State and Daura Emirate in particular,”  the governor’s statement continued.

Mr. Zulum characterized the late former president as an “iconic figure whose life embodied discipline, integrity, humility and a steadfast commitment to the service of Nigeria.” He lauded Mr. Buhari’s career, from his early days as a military officer to his tenure as military Head of State and, later, as a two-term democratically elected president, as one defined by a “legacy of sacrifice, selflessness and steadfast commitment to the unity, security and progress of our dear country.” He further emphasized Mr. Buhari’s reputation as a ”detribalized leader of conviction and purpose.”

The governor also recalled Mr. Buhari’s most recent visit to Borno State in November 2024, when the former president traveled to commiserate with the state government and its people in the aftermath of devastating flood disasters. “The late president has always been supportive to Borno,” Zulum noted, reflecting on the consistent engagement Mr. Buhari maintained the state throughout his public life.

Concluding his tribute, Governor Zulum reiterated the profound impact of the former leader’s passing. “Although death is inevitable to mankind, Buhari’s demise at this critical time of Nigeria’s democratic journey is colossal, as the vacuum created would be difficult to fill.”

He offered prayers, stating, “We pray that Almighty Allah (SWT) in His infinite mercy forgives his shortcomings and grants him eternal rest in Aljannatul Firdaus.” The governor’s presence in London served as a poignant testament to the deep personal and political connections that characterized President Buhari’s long and impactful life.