Ayiri Emami: Buhari exemplified integrity, stood by rule of law

Ayiri Emami, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta state, has mourned the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Buhari died on Sunday, July 13, in a clinic in London, United Kingdom (UK), following a prolonged illness. He served as Nigeria’s president from 2015 to 2023.

In a statement on Tuesday, Emami described Buhari as a statesman committed to the Nigerian project and founding principles of the APC till his death.

He added that Buhari exemplified integrity and stood stoutly for the rule of law throughout his lifetime.

The APC chieftain also recalled Buhari’s contributions to the Nigerian economy as petroleum minister under the Olusegun Obasanjo military regime and when he was the civilian president.

“As Petroleum Minister under General Obasanjo, he supervised the construction of 21 depots across the country, invested in pipelines and storage facilities, and built the pipeline network, connecting the Bonny terminal and Port Harcourt refinery,” the statement reads.

“As democratically elected president, he successfully constructed the Warri-Itakpe Rail Line as well as the Second Niger Bridge. These are just a few of the indelible legacies of President Buhari.”

Emami, who is also the Ologbotsere of Warri, said Buhari never interfered with the democratic process, which made it possible for opposition parties to win certain off-cycle elections held under his watch.

He also commended the late president for loyalty to the APC and his successor.

“Itsekiri as a tribe, which is firmly rooted in the rule of law and fairness, would not forget Buhari for upholding these virtues,” he said.

“The strong political bond he formed with President Bola Tinubu, which has redirected the course of the country on the path of the progressive, is also worthy of note.”