Chief Ayiri in a statement he personally signed, described him as a statesman absolutely committed to the Nigerian project and founding principles of the All Progressives Congress till his painful exit.        

Chief Ayirimi, who served as deputy director, Election Planning and Monitoring Committee of the Presidential Campaign Committee of  President Buhari reelection in 2019, recalled the contributions of the late president to the Nigerian economy as petroleum minister under the Olusegun Obasanjo military regime and as civilian President between 2015- 2019.

“ As Petroleum Minister under General Obasanjo, he supervised the  construction of   21 depots across the country, invested  in pipelines and storage facilities and built  the pipeline network, connecting the Bonny terminal and Port Harcourt refinery.

“ As democratically elected President, he  successfully constructed the Warri – Itakpe Rail Line as well as the Second Niger Bridge. These are just a few  of the indelible legacies of President Buhari.”

The APC chieftain also recalled that as sitting President, Buhari never interfered with the democratic process which he noted made it possible for  the victory of opposition parties in certain off-season elections held under his watch. He also commended the late President for loyalty to the APC and his successor, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“Itsekiri as a tribe, which is firmly rooted in the rule of law and fairness, would not forget Buhari for upholding these virtues.    

“The strong political bond he formed with President Bola Tinubu, which has redirected the course of the  country on the path of  the progressive, is also worthy of note.”