The Middle Belt Forum has expressed that the economic damage caused by former President Muhammadu Buhari during his two terms in office cannot be easily forgotten, despite acknowledging the loss of the respected leader.
In a statement on Monday, the President of the Forum, Dr. Bitrus Pogu, offered a mixed assessment of Buhari's legacy following the former president's death in London on Sunday.
"The demise of a leader respected by many is certainly lamentable," Dr. Pogu stated. "However, the damage to our economy and his comments on insecurity cannot be forgotten easily. May his soul rest in peace."
The former President died in the United Kingdom where he was receiving medical treatment for an undisclosed illness. Vice President Kashim Shettima, along with other government officials, has traveled to London to accompany Buhari's remains back to Nigeria.
According to reports, the former president's remains are expected to be laid to rest on Monday in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State.
Buhari, who served as Nigeria's president from 2015 to 2023, has received numerous tributes from political figures across the country, including the All Progressives Congress (APC), which described him as an "unlikely democrat." Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo also expressed his condolences, revealing how his family received the news of Buhari's passing.
Other notable figures who have paid tribute include the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, who stated that Buhari's life was "defined by duty, discipline, and consistency of purpose," and former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom, who described his death as "a great loss to Nigeria."
The Chinese government has also extended condolences to Nigeria over the former president's death.
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