Ambassador Sarafa Isola Mourns Buhari

Nigeria’s immediate past High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola has joined in mourning the passing of  President Muhammadu Buhari.

Isola who was appointed High Commissioner during the administration of the departed leader said “President Buhari’s legacy as a soldier, statesman, and patriot will continue to inspire generations. His simplicity, humility, and unwavering love for Nigeria endeared him to many, even in the face of challenges.”

He added that though “His life traversed decades of military and democratic governance, yet his persona remained consistent — marked by uncompromising integrity, personal simplicity, and a profound belief in national unity.”

The full statement reads:

Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola Mourns the Passing of President Muhammadu Buhari

It is with a heavy heart and profound sadness that I join millions of Nigerians and the global community in mourning the passing of His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR.

President Buhari was a statesman of remarkable conviction, whose life was defined by an unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s unity, progress, and security.

His departure is not just  a national loss; it is a historical punctuation. His life traversed decades of military and democratic governance, yet his persona remained consistent — marked by uncompromising integrity, personal simplicity, and a profound belief in national unity.

His tenure as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria from 2015 to 2023 was characterized by bold efforts to tackle corruption, strengthen national institutions, and advance infrastructural development. His leadership, rooted in integrity and discipline, inspired many and set a standard for public service.

It was during his administration that I had the privilege and honor to serve as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom from 2021 to 2023. In that role, I witnessed first-hand the quiet resolve with which President Buhari engaged international diplomacy — firm in his conviction, yet humble in his approach.

He carried Nigeria’s image abroad with a certain stoic dignity, and his stance on anti-corruption and national discipline resonated with global partners, especially in an era when moral courage was becoming rare.

His appointment of capable hands to represent Nigeria abroad reflected his vision for a country respected for its values and contributions to global peace and development.

His trust in me to serve as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom remains one of the greatest honors of my career.

President Buhari’s legacy as a soldier, statesman, and patriot will continue to inspire generations. His simplicity, humility, and unwavering love for Nigeria endeared him to many, even in the face of challenges.

On behalf of myself and my
family , I extend my deepest condolences to the Buhari family, the government, and the people of Nigeria. I also commiserate with his associates, friends, and all those who were touched by his exemplary life.

We will continue to honor his memory by upholding the values of integrity, service, and patriotism that he so dearly championed.

May Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings, grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus, and give his family and the nation the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.

Signed:
Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola, OFR
Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom (2021–2023)