Buhari attends ex-Benin President's funeral (PHOTOS)

President Muhammadu Buhari said the late President Mathieu Kerekou of Benin Republic will be long remembered and honoured as a father of his nation and founding father of the ECOWAS.

This is contained in a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday by Mr Femi Adesina, the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity.

"Buhari described the deceased as a beloved leader of his people and an ardent advocate of international cooperation who would be greatly missed within and outside his country.

"On behalf of my colleagues, fellow presidents and leaders of our continent of Africa, I rise today, to speak in honour of a departed African statesman, a father of his nation, indeed a founding father of ECOWAS.

"Gen. Mathieu Kerekou was a great defender, fervent lover and pursuer of international peace, solidarity and security.

"We recall that in pursuance of his commitment to peace, stability and progress in his country, Kerekou voluntarily established the political framework for the return of Benin Republic to democratic governance in the 1990s.

"His two democratic mandates from 1996 to 2006 underscored the ardent love his people had for him as a great leader.

"That period witnessed great democratic freedom that continues to exist today, as the foundation for lasting peace and stability in Benin Republic,’’ the statement quoted Buhari as saying.

Buhari urged the late President's wife, Margaret, members of his family, President Boni Yayi and the people of Benin Republic to be consoled by the belief that "having lived a much fulfilled life in the service of his country, Kerekou has gone to a well deserved rest from his earthly labours.’’

The statement said Buhari was accompanied to the event by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Geoffrey Onyeama, while the Presidents of Togo and Niger Republic were also present at the occasion.