The Northern Reform Organisation (NRO) received with deep shock and a profound sense of dismay the disturbing news of some misguided individuals in Kano celebrating the passing of President Muhammadu Buhari.
This unpatriotic and dishonourable conduct by a few miscreants stands in stark contrast to the values and principles that define us as Northerners, as Kanawa, and as a people of faith dignity and decency
President Muhammadu Buhari passed away in a London hospital on Sunday, 13th July 2025, after a brief illness.
Alhaji Muhammadu Buhari’ s success story can be highlighted as follows:
1. Buhari served this nation with distinction from the rank of Second Lieutenant to that of a General.
His decision to join the Nigerian military, participate in the civil war to defend the unity and sovereign integrity of the country, and remain in service for decades is a testimony to his patriotism, sacrifice, and enduring commitment to Nigeria. Few can match such a legacy of national service.
2.Buhari’s public career was remarkable. He served Nigeria as a Governor, Minister, Head of State, Chairman of the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF), and finally, as a democratically elected President.
His transformation from a military ruler to a civilian President is a rare feat in our collective endeavour of nation building and it marked his dedication to democratic ideals and the process.
3 His military regime introduced the “War Against Indiscipline,” which succeeded in instilling discipline, order, and ethical standards across the country.
His administration pursued a self-reliant economic agenda based on fiscal prudence, counter-trade systems, and independence from foreign financial control — a courageous stance that protected Nigeria from the heavy burden of debt seeking exit from the trap.
4.As Chairman of the PTF, Buhari oversaw projects that brought real development to all parts of Nigeria.
5.Through the Buhari Organisation, he built a formidable national movement that mobilised unprecedented grassroots support and led to his eventual election as President after three previous attempts.
As a proud son of the North, Buhari rose to national prominence through a democratic process.
He represented the values and aspirations of the North, embodying the integrity and honesty that earned him names such as Gaskiya Dokin Karfe, Sai Maigaskiya, and the affectionate title Baba Buhari as testified by his Military successor in government, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida.
6.As President, he prioritised agriculture and water resources, deemphasised reliance on oil, and championed the canalisation of the Hadejia-Jama’are River Basin, among other river basins, to boost food production.
He supported oil exploration in the North, pursued critical infrastructure such as gas pipelines, railways, roads and bridges and waged a principled battle against corruption, despite institutional resistance.
He championed reforms such as the Treasury Single Account (TSA), and saw to the passage of landmark legislations including the Petroleum Industry Bill and the Freedom of Information Bill.
He significantly weakened the Boko Haram insurgency and stood firm against moral decadence such as the LGBTQ+ agenda.
7.For his enduring legacy, Buhari deserves the respect, sympathy, and prayers of every patriotic Nigerian.
He lived over 80 years, most of which he dedicated to serving this nation. He was a man of faith, a national icon, a war hero, and a northern treasure.
8.President Buhari was a quintessential public servant — never involved in private commercial interests, a modest man of faith, and a respected family man. He led a simple life, and his moral standards inspired millions.
He had a unique leadership style, identifying and attracting by his sheer force of personality, charisma and character competent individuals enabling them and giving them the space and latitude to perform and achieve.
9.We therefore condemn, in the strongest possible terms, the despicable behaviour of the few who rejoiced at his passing.
This shameful display runs contrary to everything we hold dear as Northerners and as citizens of Kano — a city known as Jalla Babar Hausa, a beacon of moral excellence and leadership in Nigeria which launched him into national prominence with robust support as a Presidential aspirant and candidate.
It violates our cultural values, our religious obligations, and the universal code of respect for the dead and for our elders.
10.This disgusting act deserves to be investigated, denounced, and punished. It must not go untreated for its toxicity in our midst.
We call on the government and the entire elite leadership of society and all well meaning men and women to publicly denounce and condemn this reprehensible behaviour and bring those responsible to justice in order to serve as a deterrent to others.
Our faiths as Muslims and Christians enjoin us never to “revile the dead, for they have already attained what they put forward.”_
That we should fear God Almighty for His mercy is not in our hands to give or withhold.
The one who has passed has completed his journey and has fulfilled his destiny _ _We are the ones still walking this path of trials — with so much to correct and answer for._ _It is not our place to dig up the faults of the dead. Instead, let us focus on fixing our own souls before it is our turn to be remembered._
May Allah guide us, forgive those who have gone before us, and have mercy on us when our time comes.
We pray to Almighty Allah to forgive the shortcomings of President Muhammadu Buhari, grant him Aljannatul Firdaus, and give his family, the North, and the entire nation the strength to bear this great loss.
Amin.
Alhaji Gidado Mukhtar
Chairman Board of Trustees
NRO
