António Guterres’ Tribute to Muhammadu Buhari: A Legacy of Service and Multilateralism
On Friday, June 9, 2023, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres paid a solemn visit to Nigeria House in New York to honor the memory of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on Sunday, June 4th, at the age of 82. Guterres’ visit underscored the deep respect and admiration held within the international community for Buhari’s decades of service to Nigeria, Africa, and the global stage. The UN Secretary-General offered his heartfelt condolences to the Nigerian government and people, emphasizing Buhari’s unwavering dedication and significant contributions to various spheres of influence.
Guterres, in his signed condolence message, lauded Buhari’s enduring commitment to selfless service, highlighting his pivotal role in fostering peace and stability throughout the African region. He acknowledged Buhari’s unwavering dedication to strengthening Nigeria’s institutions and praised his unwavering support for the United Nations and its principles of multilateralism, solidarity, and sustainable development. The Secretary-General’s words painted a portrait of a leader deeply invested in the betterment of his nation and the world, a statesman whose actions consistently reflected his belief in collaborative global efforts to address common challenges.
Beyond the formal condolence message, Guterres spoke extensively with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), sharing personal reflections on his working relationship with Buhari. He expressed profound admiration for the former President’s work, not only in safeguarding Nigeria’s interests but also in his broader commitment to the African continent, sustainable development, and the United Nations. Guterres characterized Buhari as a staunch defender of multilateralism, a philosophy centered on international cooperation and dialogue to resolve global issues. He emphasized Buhari’s instrumental role in navigating complex regional dynamics and upholding Nigeria’s leadership within West Africa.
The Secretary-General further elaborated on Buhari’s invaluable contributions to peace and security in West Africa. He acknowledged the challenging geopolitical context within which Buhari operated, emphasizing his crucial role as a stabilizing force in the region. Guterres recognized Nigeria’s significant influence in West African affairs, attributing a large part of that influence to Buhari’s steady leadership. He underscored the international community’s appreciation for Buhari’s efforts to promote peace and stability in a region often grappling with complex security challenges.
Guterres’ tribute went beyond acknowledging Buhari’s political and diplomatic achievements. He highlighted the personal qualities that defined his leadership: selfless service, unwavering commitment, and a deep-seated belief in collaboration. These qualities, according to Guterres, formed the bedrock of Buhari’s legacy, one that will inspire future generations of leaders. The Secretary-General conveyed the UN’s profound sympathy to Buhari’s family, the Nigerian government, and its people, emphasizing that the world remembers him as a true servant-leader whose impact extended far beyond his nation’s borders.
Receiving the UN Secretary-General at Nigeria House was Mr. Syndoph Endoni, the Chargé d’Affaires of the Permanent Mission of Nigeria to the UN. Endoni expressed gratitude for Guterres’ condolence visit, underscoring its significance as a testament to Buhari’s status as a respected statesman whose influence resonated throughout the international community. He highlighted the visit as an acknowledgement of Buhari’s profound impact on global affairs, emphasizing the reach of his leadership beyond the confines of Nigeria. Other Nigerian officials, including Bola Asaju and Mr. Razak Lawal, Head of Chancery of the Mission, were present to receive the UN chief. The visit served as a poignant reminder of Buhari’s lasting legacy and his enduring contribution to international diplomacy and cooperation. His dual career, first as a military leader from 1983 to 1985 and then as a democratically elected President from 2015 to 2023, bookended a life devoted to the service of his nation. Buhari’s final resting place, in his hometown of Daura, serves as a physical marker of his deep connection to his roots and his lifelong dedication to the betterment of Nigeria.
