Saudi monarch, crown prince mourn Buhari

|By Adejumo Adekunle-

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Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman have extended heartfelt condolences to Nigeria following the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

In separate messages released on Monday, the Saudi royals expressed sympathy to President Bola Tinubu, the government and people of Nigeria, and the family of the deceased.

“Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud sent a cable of condolences and sympathy to Federal Republic of Nigeria President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari,” the royal message read. “The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques expressed deepest condolences and sincere sympathy to the president, the Nigerian people, and the family of the deceased.”

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who doubles as the Prime Minister of the Kingdom, also sent a separate condolence message.

“His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, sent a cable of condolences and sympathy to Federal Republic of Nigeria President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari,” his message stated.
“HRH the Crown Prince expressed deepest condolences and sincere sympathy to the president, the Nigerian people, and the family of the deceased.”

Buhari died on Sunday at a medical facility in the United Kingdom at the age of 82.

During his tenure as Nigeria’s president, Buhari maintained a close diplomatic relationship with Saudi Arabia, strengthening bilateral ties across religion, counterterrorism, oil cooperation and trade.

His body is expected to arrive today at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport in Katsina before being buried in his hometown, Daura, in accordance with Islamic rites.