ECOWAS, Northern CAN Mourn Buhari, Celebrate His Enduring National and Regional Legacy

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Northern chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) have expressed profound grief over the death of former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, hailing his far-reaching contributions to national governance and regional stability.

In a statement signed by Omar Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, and released on Sunday, the regional bloc described Buhari as a prominent figure in West African politics, whose leadership strengthened democratic institutions and fostered regional cooperation.

“It is with deep sorrow that the world learnt of the passing of His Excellency General Muhammadu Buhari, former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Touray said. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Government of Nigeria, and all Nigerians.”

Touray commended Buhari’s pivotal role in advancing democracy and regional integration, describing his legacy as a permanent fixture in Africa’s political history.

“ECOWAS salutes the memory of this distinguished statesman whose invaluable contributions greatly advanced democracy and regional integration in West Africa and across the African continent. May his soul rest in paradise,” he added.

Echoing similar sentiments, the Northern CAN praised Buhari as a “father figure” in Nigerian politics. In a statement issued in Kaduna on Sunday, Rev. Joseph Hayab, Chairman of the Northern CAN, described the late president’s death as the close of a significant chapter in Nigeria’s political evolution.

“Though opinions were divided on some of his policies while in office, no one can take away from him his patriotism, discipline, and desire for a united Nigeria,” Hayab said.

He noted that Buhari’s leadership—first as military Head of State between 1984 and 1985, and later as a democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023—would remain a reference point in national conversations for generations to come.

“He was a statesman who launched the famous ‘War Against Indiscipline and Corruption.’ His contributions will remain subjects of national discourse for a long time,” Hayab added.

He extended heartfelt condolences to former First Lady Aisha Buhari and the bereaved family, urging them to find comfort in the legacy of public service he left behind.

Hayab also lauded President Bola Tinubu’s gesture of national mourning and his decision to dispatch Vice President Kashim Shettima to accompany Buhari’s remains from the United Kingdom, calling it a mark of respect.

He urged Nigerians to rise above political and religious divisions to honour Buhari’s memory through unity, healing, and mutual respect.

“Even when we may differ in opinion over his leadership, this is a time to reflect on his life with gratitude and dignity, not acrimony. Nigeria needs healing, and honouring our dead properly is part of that healing process,” Hayab emphasized.