Buhari’s passing was reported by The Nation, which said the former president died on Sunday at a hospital in London.
Reacting to the news, Pere extended his sympathies to Buhari’s family, praying that God would grant them comfort and strength in their time of loss. He acknowledged that while Buhari was not a perfect leader, he believed the former president gave his best in serving the country.
“This is a sad day for Nigeria and Nigerians. May God grant your family the fortitude to bear this great loss. You led Nigeria to the best of your ability. While you weren’t a perfect man or leader (because no man is and no man will ever be), you gave your all to the country,” Pere wrote.
Beyond his condolences, Pere also addressed those openly celebrating Buhari’s death, urging them to exercise restraint out of respect for the bereaved family. He cautioned against dehumanizing behavior, arguing that death renders political disputes and earthly concerns irrelevant.
“Blast him while he’s alive. Express your displeasure while he’s breathing. Protest, criticize, say your piece boldly and loudly. But once he’s gone, for the sake of those he left behind—the wife, children, family—show some restraint. Put your rage in the trash for a moment,” Pere wrote.
He emphasized that civility in grief does not mean condoning the deceased’s actions but rather maintaining one’s humanity and compassion in difficult moments.
“Let grief be handled with dignity. Civility doesn’t mean silence; it means you still have your humanity intact. People who celebrate the death of another human being because of political grievances aren’t ‘liberated,’ they’re enslaved by bitterness. You don’t heal by glorifying death.”
Pere further explained that condemning the late president’s policies and failures while he was alive is valid and necessary. However, continuing to curse him after his death, he argued, serves no purpose and reflects poorly on those left behind.
“Logic demands we separate justice from vengeance. Philosophically, celebrating death doesn’t heal; it simply mimics the cruelty we claim to oppose,” he wrote.
“I never absolved him. I only said: when someone is gone, shouting at their grave does nothing. The dead don’t hear you. The living do.”
He concluded by urging Nigerians to reflect on their values and avoid letting pain and anger erode their sense of decency and morality.
“If your morality only functions when there’s someone to hate, it was never morality, it was just noise.”