90% Nigerians have known late Queen all their lives – Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday expressed sadness over the passage of Queen Elizabeth ll of the United Kingdom.

He also condoled with the Royal Family and Great Britain over the loss of its longest reigning monarch.

Buhari’s condolence message is contained in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu.

Queen Elizabeth II of England died at the age of 96 on Thursday at the Balmoral Castle, the United Kingdom.

According to a statement by the Royal Family, the Queen died peacefully.

Buhari said “My family and I, and the more than 200 million Nigerians have learned with immense sadness of the passing of the Queen and the end of her unique and wonderful 70 year reign. Her late Majesty was the only British Sovereign known to 90 per cent of our population.

“Our thoughts and sincere condolences are with the Royal Family and the people of the United Kingdom and the entire Commonwealth as we join the entire world in mourning her loss.

“The story of modern Nigeria will never be complete without a chapter on Queen Elizabeth ll, a towering global personality and an outstanding leader. She dedicated her life to making her nation, the Commonwealth and the entire world a better place.”

Buhari also welcomed the new monarch, King Charles III/

The said the President “welcomes your Majesty’s ascension to the throne in line with tradition and prays King Charles III’s reign will witness the continuation of the robust and sisterly relations between our two nations.”