Former Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as a “true Nigerian statesman” whose love for the country was evident throughout his life and leadership.

In a heartfelt tribute released on Monday, Amaechi said he was “profoundly shocked” by the news of the former President’s passing, recalling fondly their years of working together, particularly during Buhari\'s two-term presidency from 2015 to 2023.

“Nigeria has lost a true statesman whose love for his country and its people has been evident over the years,” Amaechi wrote.

Reflecting on Buhari’s support during his tenure as Minister of Transportation, Amaechi praised the former President’s unwavering commitment to national development, especially through the modernization of the country’s railway infrastructure.

He listed several major railway projects completed or initiated under Buhari’s leadership, including the Lagos-Ibadan, Warri-Itakpe, Port Harcourt-Aba, and Kaduna-Kano railway lines, as well as the Abuja-Kaduna railway and the international Kano-Maradi route into Niger Republic.

“He stood with me and remained true to his promise of revamping Nigeria’s railway system,” Amaechi noted.

He also highlighted Buhari’s backing for the Deep Blue Project, a maritime security initiative aimed at combating piracy and securing Nigeria’s maritime domain and the Gulf of Guinea.

According to Amaechi, the project’s success contributed significantly to Nigeria’s removal from the International Maritime Bureau’s list of high-risk maritime nations.

“He supported my initiative to provide an enduring solution to the insecurity that hitherto plagued Nigeria’s maritime domain,” he said.

Amaechi further credited Buhari for backing the successful completion of the Lekki Deep Seaport, which he described as a key achievement in the nation’s maritime and trade development.

In concluding his tribute, Amaechi extended his condolences to the former First Lady, Aisha Buhari, and the entire Buhari family, praying for strength during this time of national mourning.

“May Allah grant him eternal rest,” he said.

President Muhammadu Buhari, who served as Nigeria’s military Head of State from 1983 to 1985 and later as a democratically elected President from 2015 to 2023, died at the age of 82.

His passing marks the end of an era in Nigeria’s political history, and tributes have continued to pour in from within and outside the country.