“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.”
President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday eulogised late President Umaru Yar’Adua’s patriotism while admitting he had political differences with deceased.
Buhari who heaped of praises on the late president said Yar’ Adua had a passion for the masses.
The president also noted that his late Katsina political rival reversed policies he believed hurt the interest of Nigerians when he became the President in 2007.
Buhari expressed his thoughts in a tribute in honour of Yar’Adua during the 10th anniversary of his death.
The President 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.
Read Alleged N40 billion fraud: Senate begins probe of NDDC Management Committee
“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.’’
The late Yar’Adua was governor of Katsina state from 1999 to 2007 and succeeded President Olusegun Obasanjo as president after defeating Buhari at the poll in 2007.
Yar’Adua died in office in 2010, paving the way for his then Vice-President Goodluck Jonathan, to assume the saddle.
Buhari later in the 2015 presidential election defeated Jonathan succeed the former Bayelsa State governor.
