The Katsina State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), as well as that of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), have expressed sadness over the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Buhari, 82, died in a London-based hospital on Sunday after battling an undisclosed illness. He would be buried on Tuesday by 2 pm in his hometown of Daura.

The two associations, which extended condolences to the late president’s family, friends, and state government, described him as a just, honest and respected Nigerian leader.

In a statement issued by NLC Chairman Comrade Hussaini Yanduna, on behalf of workers in the state, it was stated that Buhari’s leadership and dedication to the nation would be remembered with great respect and admiration.

“On behalf of the Nigeria Labour Congress and the entire workers of Katsina State, I extend our deepest condolences to the family of former President Muhammadu Buhari, the Governor of Katsina State, and all the citizens of Katsina State and Nigeria.

“President Buhari’s leadership and dedication to our nation will be remembered with great respect and admiration. His contributions to the progress of Nigeria, and particularly to our beloved Katsina State, have left a significant impact on our society.

“We share in your sorrow and offer our sincere prayers for comfort and peace during this difficult time. May the memories of his remarkable life serve as a source of solace and strength to all who mourn his loss.”

Also, the state NUJ Chairman,Tukur Hassan, said the union will always remember his contributions and dedication to the service of the country.

He said, “As journalists, we are not unaware of the former president’s commitment and dedication to the service of our dear country, especially from 1975 when he first served as military governor of Borno State.

“From then, the name Colonel and later General Muhammadu Buhari continue to appear in different pages of Nigerian newspapers and electronic media outlets and is always associated with discipline, dedication and sincerity in leadership.

“History will equally forgive late General Muhammadu Buhari for taking various decisions all with the aim of leading Nigeria out of corruption and other forms of unpatriotic attitudes especially when he took over as the county’s Head of State from 31st December, 1983 to August 1985 and when he was in later years democratically elected and sworn-in as civilian president and commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria from 2015 to 2023.

“The NUJ, which is the umbrella body of all the working journalists in Katsina State, extend its deepest and sincere condolences to the family of the fallen hero, the Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Ummaru Radda, and the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria over the irreplaceable loss and prayed Allah to reward him with Aljannatu Firdausi.”