Bakare: Buhari Was Not a Religious Fundamentalist
Pastor Tunde Bakare of the Citadel Global Community Church has refuted long-standing claims that former President Muhammadu Buhari was a religious fundamentalist.
Speaking during an interview on Politics Today, a Channels TV programme, Bakare, who was Buhari’s running mate in the 2011 presidential election under the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), recalled his personal experiences with the late president.
“I thought he was a religious fundamentalist until I came close,” Bakare shared.
He recounted a moment during their 2011 campaign that changed his perception.
“After our campaign flag-off in Kaduna, we rode together in a car. When we got to his home, he staggered a bit and said, ‘Jesus Christ of Nazareth,’” Bakare revealed.
“I asked, ‘General, what is that?’ He replied, ‘You do not have the monopoly of Jesus Christ; I’m thanking God.’”
According to Bakare, Buhari’s personal staff, including his bodyguards and longtime driver, were Christians.
“His driver of 10 years once asked me to pray with him. I told him I don’t pray Islamic prayers, and he said, ‘I’m a Christian, sir,’” Bakare added.
Buhari’s Burial: Tinubu Approves State Funeral Committee
President Bola Tinubu has approved a state burial for the late Muhammadu Buhari, who died on Sunday in London around 4:30 p.m. after a prolonged illness. The burial will take place on Tuesday at 2 p.m. in Daura, Katsina State.
To ensure a befitting farewell, Tinubu has constituted an Inter-Ministerial Committee headed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume.
A statement by Segun Imohiosen, Director of Information and Public Relations, listed members of the committee, which includes key ministers and senior government officials:
Minister of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning
Minister of Defence
Minister of Information and National Orientation
Minister of Works
Minister of Interior
Minister of FCT
Minister of Housing and Urban Development
Minister of Health and Social Welfare (State)
Minister of Culture and Creative Economy
The Permanent Secretary of the General Services Office (GSO) will serve as the committee’s secretariat.
In honour of the late president, Tinubu has also directed all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to open condolence registers at their entrances for public tributes.
A central condolence register will also be available at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja for the diplomatic community and general public.
July 15 Declared Public Holiday
As part of the national mourning, the Federal Government declared Monday, July 15 a public holiday.
The announcement was made via a statement signed by Dr. Magdalene Ajani, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior.
Further updates regarding the funeral and national honours are expected in the coming days.
