The Preside Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday expressed great sadness over the passage of the former President of Niger Republic, Mamadou Tandja, who died on Tuesday at the age of 82.

President Buhari in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, titled, ‘President Buhari mourns Mamadou Tandja, ex-President of Niger’ said Niger Republic has lost a veteran leader with rich experience.

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.”

According to the statement, Buhari praised the deceased’s contributions in the military and political spheres of his country.

The President also wished his counterpart, President Mahamadou Issoufou of Niger Republic, the family and well-wishers of the late 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,” he said.