President Muhammadu Buhari said yesterday that notwithstanding his political contrasts with the late previous President, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, the late President was a nationalist.
President Buhari, who praised the ethics of the pioneer, who filled in as legislative head of Katsina State for a long time, said history would consistently record Yar’Adua’s straightforward and earnest support of the country.
The President in an announcement gave by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, on the tenth commemoration of the demise of the previous President, encouraged Nigerians to copy his understanding and delicate nature.
He stated:
“Despite our political differences, President Yar’Adua was unarguably a patriot because of his passion for the masses and his reversal of policies he believed were hurting ordinary Nigerians.
“Every leader should be given the credit that he deserves, whether you agree with President Yar’Adua politically or not, I must say that history will always record his honest and sincere service to the country.
“As we remember President Yar’Adua today, let us emulate his patience and gentle nature so that we don’t introduce toxicity into our politics where opponents perceive each other as enemies.
“Let me also use this occasion to extend my prayers and goodwill to his family, and Katsina State Government on the 10th anniversary of his demise.
May Allah continue to bless and comfort his gentle soul.