A former federal commissioner for information and culture, IBM Haruna, has expressed grief over the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as a “great son of the soil and leader of immense integrity.”

Mr Haruna, who stated this in an interview in Abuja on Sunday, said Mr Buhari stood out among those who had had the privilege of leading the country.

“We have lost a great son of the soil, a great leader, a great proponent of the development of Nigeria, the people of Nigeria, and the peace and development of the country,” he said.

The retired general said that even though his path and that of Buhari never crossed while they were both in the military, the former president paid his dues in ensuring peace and development in the country.

“My path and that of Gen. Buhari never crossed. He served during the Nigerian civil war in 1 Division with my contemporary, Gen. Muhammad Shuwa. While he was in 1 Division, I also had the opportunity to take over the 2 Division from Gen. Murtala Muhammad in Onitsha. Throughout our service years, we never sat together in the division I was commanding.

“I didn’t have any close and intimate military relationship with him. By the time he got into the limelight, I had already served and retired in 1977 as the Federal Commissioner for Information and Culture. But I got to know him because of my interactions with the Northerners as Chairman of Arewa Consultative Forum,” he added.

Mr Haruna recalled that when some crises were brewing in the South-West zone, Buhari was asked to investigate what was really happening. He said that the former president did a good job of instilling peace and tranquility in the country’s social and political atmosphere.

The retired general described the former president as an officer who exhibited uncommon leadership, courage, determination, and integrity among other military and political leaders.

Mr Haruna, while praying for the repose of Buhari’s soul, urged future leaders to emulate his vision, commitment, and dedication.

(NAN)