“We Are Grateful to All Who Forgave Our Father” – Buhari’s Daughters Speak After His Passing
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| Aisha Hanan with her father Muhammad Buhari |
As Nigeria continues to mourn the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, his daughters, Aisha Hanan Buhari and Hadiza Muhammadu Buhari, have expressed their heartfelt gratitude to those who chose to forgive their father during his lifetime.
Speaking in an emotional interview with BBC Hausa, the daughters reflected on the legacy of their father, who served Nigeria in various capacities—as a military officer, Head of State, and civilian President.
Muhammadu Buhari passed away on Sunday at a hospital in London after a prolonged illness. Those close to him described him as a warm and loving man with a deep commitment to his family and country.
Hanan Buhari, fondly known as Aisha Hanan, one of the younger daughters of the late President, described her father’s passing as a deeply personal loss.
“Losing my father feels like losing a part of myself,” she said. “What I’ll miss most is his sense of humour. I always looked up to him as a part of me.”
She continued, “We are truly grateful to Nigerians who forgave our father. We have nothing to say but thank you. May God bless you all.”
Hanan also emphasized her father’s sincere intentions for the Nigerian people, describing him as “a man of the people” whose values shaped her upbringing.
“He taught us discipline—to pray, study, and find joy in the right things,” she added.
Hadiza Muhammadu Buhari, also known as Nana and one of Buhari’s eldest children from his former marriage, shared touching memories of her father's character and their private moments together.
“My father had a deep love for Nigerians,” Nana said. “During his treatment, I visited him in London. When I told him I was returning to Nigeria, he said, ‘Greet Nigerians for me.’ That’s how much he cared.”
Nana also recalled the nickname her father used for her—“Madam Nana”—and how they would laugh and share jokes together. She described him as humorous, kind, and disciplined.
She recounted a lesson he taught her about integrity: “Once, he gave us money to buy textbooks. I used some of the change to buy sweets. When I returned and handed him the remaining money, he said, ‘Nana, that’s not right. When you’re sent to buy something, always return the change to the person who sent you. If they offer it back to you, that’s fine—but never assume it’s yours.’”
“He raised us with values—respect, honesty, and a sense of justice,” she added. “He was a calm, patient man who disliked noise. Even when insulted, he rarely responded harshly.”
As tributes continue to pour in from across the world, Buhari’s daughters highlighted not just his public life, but the love, humour, and discipline that defined him as a father—a man they deeply loved and respected.
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