ABUJA, Nigeria – Former President of Sierra Leone, H.E. Ernest Bai Koroma, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as “a towering figure in African leadership” whose contributions to Nigeria and the wider West African region will not be forgotten.
In a heartfelt tribute issued on July 14, 2025, from Abuja, Koroma extended his condolences to Buhari’s bereaved family, to Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and to the people of Nigeria.
“It is with a heavy heart and deep sorrow that I extend my profound condolences to the bereaved family of the late H.E. Muhammadu Buhari, former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and to the Government and the great people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Koroma stated.
Reflecting on Buhari’s decades of service, from his early days in the military to his time as Nigeria’s democratically elected President, Koroma praised his dedication to national development and efforts to promote stability within the region.
“President Buhari was a towering figure in African leadership. His life of service to Nigeria, from his early military career to his stewardship as democratically elected President, was marked by an unrelenting commitment to national development and regional stability. He leaves behind a legacy of quiet strength, modesty, and devotion to duty,” he said.
Koroma also shared personal reflections on his collaboration with Buhari, highlighting their joint work through the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), particularly during the 2017 mediation efforts that ensured a peaceful political transition in The Gambia.
“I had the distinct privilege of working closely with President Buhari on several peace and governance initiatives under the auspices of ECOWAS. Among the most notable was our joint mediation effort to secure a peaceful transition in The Gambia in 2017. In those moments, I saw in him not only a respected head of state, but a deeply principled leader whose wisdom and resolve helped avert crisis and uphold democratic values across our subregion,” Koroma recalled.
As the region mourns the loss of one of its most influential post-independence leaders, Koroma offered prayers for Buhari’s family and for all Nigerians grieving his passing.
“As we mourn this monumental loss, I pray that Almighty Allah, in His infinite mercy, grants comfort and strength to his beloved family, and to all those across Nigeria and Africa whose lives he touched. May the soul of our brother, elder statesman, and faithful servant of the people rest in eternal peace,” he said.
Quoting a verse from the Qur’an, Koroma concluded his message with the solemn reminder: “To Allah we belong, and to Him we shall return.”
Muhammadu Buhari, who first seized power in a 1983 coup, served as an authoritarian military ruler until 1985, and later returned as a democratically elected president in 2015—the first opposition candidate to unseat an incumbent in Nigeria. Despite pledges to fight corruption and Boko Haram, his administration faced criticism for persistent economic challenges, security crises, and handling of the 2020 #EndSARS protests.
Current President Bola Tinubu ordered a national mourning period, with flags at half-mast, and appointed Vice‑President Shettima to fly Buhari’s body home for burial in Daura on 15 July, according to state officials
