Rupiah Banda: Buhari Reacts To Death Of Ex-Zambian President

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday commiserated with the government and people of Zambia over the demise of former President Rupiah Banda.

Naija News understands that Banda had died on 11th of March 2022 at the age of 85.

President Buhari in a statement released in Abuja today by his Spokesman, Garba Shehu, praised Banda for his leadership style that is worthy of emulation.

The Nigerian leader recalls how the former Zambian president had promoted democracy and ensure a smooth transition in the country last year.

Buhari, while commiserating with Zambian President, Hakainde Hichilema, admonished the country’s officials to replicate Banda’s footprints, starting with his service as a career diplomat and when he was vice-president and acting president, before leading the country from 2008 to 2011.

Buhari pointed out the stewardship and statesmanship of Banda, who handed over power in 2011 and also guided a peaceful transition in the country in 2021, urging leaders and citizens to always allow democracy to win.

Buhari prayed for the repose of the late leader and also prayed for God’s comforting arms on Banda’s family and friends “as the great African leader goes home to a final resting place on March 17.’’

Meanwhile, Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has labelled President Muhammadu Buhari as a failure who is incapable of leading Nigeria.

Ortom further declared that since it is obvious Buhari has failed in his duties, he should hand over to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

Speaking during a chat with newsmen in Makurdi, the Benue State capital on Monday, Governor Ortom said since independence, Nigeria has never witnessed such level of government failure as the country is presently experiencing under President Buhari.

He said since taking over in 2015, the Buhari administration has only succeeded in promoting nepotism, disunity, insecurity, and economic turndown, adding that the challenges keep increasing every day with no iota of solution in sight.

Ortom said Buhari has only succeeded in taking Nigeria from top to bottom, Naija News reports.