With deep sorrow and solemn reflection, we mourn the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, a statesman, a patriot, and above all, a fellow veteran. His death marks the end of an era, one that bore witness to a man who, despite the complexities and burdens of leadership, carried himself with discipline, resolve, and a profound commitment to duty.
No man is without flaws, and President Buhari, like all mortals, was not perfect. Yet, it is not the absence of imperfection that defines a great leader, but the courage to stand firm in the face of adversity and the resolve to leave a legacy that others can build upon. In this, President Buhari stood tall.
As a veteran himself, he understood the silent sacrifices of those who bore the burden of defending the nation. He became the first president in Nigeria’s history to take significant steps in recognizing the worth and contributions of the veterans community. Under his leadership, several benefits and welfare initiatives for veterans were approved, bringing hope to many who had long been forgotten.
The giant stride he took to approve the SDA for veterans will not go unnoticed. That singular act restored hope to thousands of veterans and their families, reminding them that their years of service were not in vain. If successive governments build upon these efforts, the shackles of poverty and neglect that have long bound our veterans may finally be broken.
Though some may have sought to take advantage of his trust and human nature, history will remember him for the bold steps he took to open doors that had long remained closed to the veteran community.
Today, we do not only mourn the passing of a former president, but to honor the soul of a soldier who never stopped serving. We mourn a patriot who remained true to his roots and his fellow veterans. The veteran community, and indeed the nation, owes him a debt of gratitude.
May God forgive his shortcomings and grant his soul eternal rest.
Ms. Grace Henry Morenike
National Chairman, Nigerian Legion and Commandant General of the Corps of Commissionaires