Retired Inspector General of Police (IGP), who is also the former Chairman, Police Service Chairman, Dr. Solomon Arase (IGP, Rtd), has mourned the passing away of Former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, calling on the nation to mirror his virtues and deepen his legacy.
According to Arase, he and his family received with shock and intense grief the news of the passing of the most revered Buhari on 13th July 2025 in a London hospital.
He said: “The passage of President Buhari is symbolic of the loss of the political soul and leadership conscience of this nation. Aside from being an epitome of integrity, discipline, and courage, his nationalistic
disposition, incorruptible inclination, and unmatched passion for the Nigerian Dream which defined his national service, combined to redefine the political landscape of Nigeria, restored the virtue of honour in national leadership, and attracted global respect to our beloved country all through his leadership, both as Military Head of State and President in our current democratic dispensation.”
He noted that Buhari’s spartan way of life, strong connection to the masses and his firm commitment to his faith made him a phenomenon whose appeal transcended political generations.
Arase further stated: “His vision in leadership, courage in power, and humility in authority left him with unmatched legacies against which successive national political leaders will be mirrored as the country evolves.
“Aside drawing on his expansive military background to stabilize the national security order by confronting the threats that terrorists and bandits poised to the nation with candor, he emplaced strong and innovative financial and economic policies which advanced on national economic interest and attracted local and foreign direct investments at a time the world experienced major economic meltdown.”
He also opined that Buhari was a leader who edified professional competence and prioritised national security interests over and above other considerations.
“This was evident by his retention of my leadership as IGP, having inherited me from his predecessor, and in his guaranteeing that I completed my service term in the most honourable form, including hosting me to an unprecedented retirement dinner in the State House during which he presented me with worthy and memorable souvenirs in what confirmed him as a truly motivational and compassionate leader who appreciated loyalty and service excellence of his lieutenants,” said Arase.
He urged Nigerians thus, “As we mourn the passage of this iconic national phenomenon who dedicated all his life to the service of a country he so loved and sacrificed for, my heart goes out to his amiable wife, Hajiya Aisha Buhari, who in her grief I solemnly beseech to hold on to her faith and be consoled by verse 2,156 of the Holy Quran which states that ‘inna Lillahi wa inna ilyah rajiun; -To God we came and to Him we
shall all return-.
“My condolence also goes to his grieving children and indeed, the entire mourning nation. In submitting to the unquestionable dictate of the supreme God, it is my prayer that may his imperfections be forgiven, may he be rewarded with Aljanna Firdaus, and May Allah (SWT) grant the family of President Muhammadu Buhari and the nation’s leadership the fortitude to bear this irreparable national loss.
“It is my fervent prayer that the virtues that defined the personality and legacies of President Buhari should continue to remind us all of our divine obligations to the Almighty God and our civic commitment to our beloved country. This is the only way we can
rightly honour President Buhari and guarantee that his soul would truly rest in peace as we commonly grieve his passage and celebrate his service and virtues as a nation.”
