As mourning continues over the death of former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, two of his daughters, Aisha Hanan Buhari and Hadiza Muhammadu Buhari, have expressed gratitude to those who forgave their father during his lifetime.
In an interview with the BBC Hausa, the daughters reflected on the late president’s legacy, his personality, and the private values he instilled in them.
Buhari died on Sunday in a London hospital after a prolonged illness.
Close associates have described him as a loving family man who remained devoted to the country until his final days.
Hanan, fondly known as Aisha Hanan Buhari, said losing her father felt like losing a part of her body.
She described him as humorous and warm-hearted, saying, “What I will miss most about him is his sense of humour. I look up to him as a part of me.
“We have nothing to say to those who forgave him except thank you and thank God.”
Hanan noted that her father had good intentions for Nigeria and often identified with the common people.
“He disciplined us to study, pray, and do things that made us happy,” she said.
Hadiza Muhammadu Buhari, also known as Nana and a daughter from Buhari’s former wife, shared personal anecdotes reflecting her father’s character and values. She recalled visiting him in London during his treatment.
“After he got better, I told him I was returning to Nigeria. He asked, ‘Where are you going?’ and when I said Nigeria, he replied, ‘Greet Nigerians,’” she recounted.
She said her father was filled with love for Nigerians and was a man of integrity who trained his children not to take what was not rightfully theirs.
Nana recalled a childhood incident: “He once gave us money to buy textbooks. I had some change left after the purchase and used it to buy sweets.
“When I returned and gave him the change, he told me it was wrong. He said, ‘If you are sent to buy something, return the change. If the sender gives it to you, then it’s yours. Never take what doesn’t belong to you.’”
She described her father as patient, tolerant, and social.
“Dad doesn’t like noise. You can’t insult him and expect retaliation. He might keep an eye on you, but he won’t fight back,” she said.
The late president is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren.
