The Ologbotsere of Warri Kingdom, Chief Ayiri Emami, has described the late former President Muhammadu Buhari as a man of unshakable integrity who lived and led by the rule of law.
In a heartfelt condolence message on Monday, Emami paid tribute to Buhari’s lifetime of service to Nigeria and his lasting contributions to democratic governance and national development.
Chief Emami extended his sympathies to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Buhari family, and the people of Daura, Katsina State, ahead of the late President’s burial scheduled for Tuesday.
According to the prominent Itsekiri chief and APC stalwart, Buhari remained steadfast to the ideals of justice, fairness, and transparency throughout his time in office. “He exemplified integrity and stood stoutly for the rule of law,” Emami stated.
Emami, who served as Deputy Director of Election Planning and Monitoring in Buhari’s 2019 presidential campaign, praised the late leader’s legacy in both military and civilian service.
He recalled Buhari’s achievements as Petroleum Minister under General Obasanjo, including the construction of 21 fuel depots, pipeline investments, and the expansion of Nigeria’s oil infrastructure.
“As a democratically elected President, he delivered the Warri-Itakpe Rail Line and the Second Niger Bridge—projects that many believed would never be completed,” Emami noted.
He commended Buhari’s commitment to non-interference in Nigeria’s electoral process, even when it led to the defeat of his own party in off-cycle elections.
“That level of democratic maturity is rare,” Emami said.
The APC chieftain emphasized that Buhari’s loyalty to the party and President Tinubu set a strong foundation for Nigeria’s progressive movement.
“Itsekiri as a tribe, firmly rooted in law and fairness, will always honour him,” he said.
He concluded by describing the political bond between Buhari and Tinubu as “historic and transformative,” saying it has reset Nigeria on a path of national revival.
Buhari died on Sunday in a London hospital at the age of 82. He will be laid to rest in his hometown of Daura.