By Tunde Oso

Notable ex-militant leader, Eshanekpe Israel aka Akpodoro has condoled with President Bola Tinubu, family of late former President Muhammadu Buhari, government and people of Katsina State over the death of General Muhammadu Buhari today in London.

The Mayor’s condolence message was contained in a statement issued shortly after the report of the death of the former head of state was announced saying, the late Buhari died a great man, iconic and visionary leader, whom God showed kindness, adding that only several occasions, his health was a source of concern to Nigerians but God in His mercy added more to his life to enable him rule the nation.

Akpodoro, who is the Mayor of Urhoboland said “The nation, in the death of General Buhari lost a pan Nigerian nationalist, detribalised and visionary leader, the father of the nation at different era,” describing him, “As astute and honest to himself and his creator saying he has departed this sinful world to be-beyond.”

Akpodoro, who is also the Head of the Association of Urhobo Mayoral Family Crown, AUMFC recalled how he met with General Buhari in his Kaduna home, saying he met a colossus and statesman of repute and then, he brainstormed with him on the need for him to enter into the then forthcoming presidential election, sequel to his electoral defeat by the then incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan. He further stressed that, his second encounter was when he visited the then victorious President Buhari at the Defence House shortly after 2015 Presidential election, where he told him (Akpodoro) to go and calm the Niger Delta region.

Akpodoro noted that Nigerians have lost one of the greatest leaders in Africa, stating that the vacuum in leadership left by the late former President will be difficult to fill, particularly from the Northern Nigeria, describing him as a selfless leader, who lived for the good of his people, without any trace of corruption to him.

He called on President Tinubu’s, the APC administration and the bereaved members of the late General’s family to take solace in Al janna as promised by the Holy Book, as he asked the President to immortalise the late President having left indelible marks in the sands of time, maintaining that he would be remembered for his contributions in the nation building and redirecting the ship of the Nigerian state and laying the foundation for a new and workable Nigeria.

“On behalf of the entire Urhobo speaking people worldwide, I, the Mayor of Urhoboland commiserate with government and people of Nigeria for this national loss. Buhari led a life worthy of emulation particularly his knack for untainted integrity, honesty and spartan self discipline. He was an epitome of moral probity and decency. He was a successful  in all his endeavours and envied by his peers. We shall celebrate his life and mourn his death,” he concluded.