SENATOR Muhammad Umar Jibrilla Bindow, former Governor of Adamawa State has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing the late Nigerian leader as a father figure, mentor, and towering symbol of integrity in public service.
In a statement personally signed and released in Yola on Saturday following the confirmation of the death of the former President, Bindow said he received the news with “profound sadness” and extended his condolences to the entire nation.
“I received with profound sadness, the news of the demise of His Excellency, former President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, this afternoon.
“The pain of this loss is deeply personal for me. The late former President was more than a leader; he was a father, a guardian, and a mentor in every sense of the word,” Bindow stated.
He recalled with gratitude how Buhari’s leadership and political ideals helped shape his own journey in public service, beginning with his time as a Senator from 2011 to 2015, and later as Governor of Adamawa State from 2015 to 2019.
“I tapped into his human-development-oriented political ideologies throughout my service. His vision for a disciplined, corruption-free, and equitable Nigeria deeply influenced my work and my understanding of governance.
“His unwavering stand on accountability and national unity left a lasting imprint on me and many others who had the privilege of working under his influence,” Bindow added.
Paying tribute to Buhari’s decades-long service to Nigeria, Bindow described the late former President as “a leader of rare conviction and purpose,” whose journey from the military ranks to becoming Head of State, and later a democratically elected President, was both inspirational and transformative.
“From his early days as a young military officer to his tenure as military Head of State and eventually as a democratically elected President, Muhammadu Buhari distinguished himself through courage, humility, and unshakable commitment to national service.
Nigeria has lost a true patriot, a man whose life was marked by selflessness, discipline, and a deep love for his country,” Bindow noted.
The former governor said Buhari’s legacy would be remembered for generations as a symbol of patriotism and an example of principled leadership.
“His legacy will endure as a testament to the nobility of public service defined by honesty, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to the public good,” he said.
Offering his prayers and sympathies, Bindow extended his heartfelt condolences to Buhari’s family, the Daura Emirate, the government and people of Katsina State, and the entire nation.
“On behalf of myself, my family, and the people of Adamawa State, I extend our deepest condolences to his beloved family, the Daura Emirate, the government and people of Katsina State, and indeed all Nigerians at this moment of national mourning.”
“We pray that Almighty Allah, in His infinite mercy, forgives his shortcomings, rewards his sacrifices for Nigeria, and grants him eternal rest in Aljannatul Firdaus. Amin”.