The former Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as a “rare statesman” and a symbol of disciplined, compassionate leadership.

She made the remarks in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja, mourning the death of the former Nigerian leader, who passed away in London following a prolonged illness.

According to her, Buhari’s legacy would not only be remembered for his integrity and principled leadership but also for his bold steps in advancing the rights and welfare of women, children, and vulnerable groups.

“President Buhari was a rare statesman; disciplined, principled, and wholly committed to the service of Nigeria,” Tallen said.

“His legacy will be remembered not only for his unwavering integrity and selfless leadership, but also for the bold and historic strides made under his administration to uplift women, children, and vulnerable groups across the country.”

Tallen, who served under Buhari’s cabinet, highlighted key milestones achieved during his administration, including the declaration of a State of Emergency on Gender-Based Violence during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“As one who had the honour of serving in his cabinet as the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, I witnessed firsthand the depth of his compassion, the firmness of his convictions, and the sincerity of his resolve to build a more just and inclusive society,” she said.

“His administration made history when, in the wake of rising cases of sexual and gender-based violence during the COVID-19 lockdown, he declared a State of Emergency on Gender-Based Violence; a courageous and unprecedented move that placed the protection of women and girls firmly on the national agenda.”

She also credited Buhari for supporting landmark initiatives such as the Nigeria for Women Project, the first-ever National Women Economic Empowerment (WEE) Policy, and the creation of the High-Level Advisory Council on Women and Girls.

“Through his visionary support, we launched the Nigeria for Women Project, one of the most transformative initiatives for women’s economic empowerment in Nigeria’s history,” she stated.

Tallen further praised Buhari for commissioning the headquarters of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and restoring the name of the late Maryam Babangida to the National Centre for Women Development actions she described as symbolic of his respect for women’s visibility in governance.

“President Buhari gave Nigerian women a lasting symbol of pride and national visibility through the completion and commissioning of a befitting Headquarters Complex for the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs in Abuja,” she added.

“In an act of historical justice and national acknowledgment, President Buhari approved the restoration of the name of Maryam Babangida to the National Centre for Women Development. That singular gesture restored dignity, memory, and generational continuity to the cause of Nigerian women.”

She concluded her tribute with heartfelt condolences to the Buhari family and the nation at large.

“Today, I mourn not only a former President but a father figure, a moral compass, and a symbol of disciplined and focused leadership. My thoughts and prayers are with his beloved wife, Her Excellency Aisha Buhari, their children, the entire family, and indeed all Nigerians who feel this deep and irreplaceable loss.”