President Muhammadu Buhari has paid tributes to Mamadou Tandja, the former President of Niger Republic who passed away on Tuesday at the age of 82.
The president paid the tribute to Tandja after learning of his death according to a statement signed by Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity.
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Shehu quoted Buhari as saying, “I am extremely sad to know of the demise of Mamadou Tandja, the former President of Niger. Niger Republic has lost a veteran leader with rich military, political and administrative experience.”
Buhari praised the former President’s contributions in the military and political spheres of his country, and wished his friend and counterpart, President Mahamadou Issoufou of Niger Republic, the family and well-wishers of the late President Tandja, the strength and fortitude to bear the loss.
“The thoughts of the government and people of Nigeria are with the entire people of Niger in this period of sadness,” President Buhari said.