President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday led a solemn session of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in Abuja to honour the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, described him as a leader whose absence will echo through generations.
The special session, held at the Presidential Villa, brought together cabinet members, state governors, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and the Head of the Civil Service. In a symbolic gesture, President Tinubu announced the renaming of the University of Maiduguri to Muhammadu Buhari University, in tribute to the legacy of a man he described as a patriot, a disciplinarian, and a fearless defender of national unity.
President Tinubu, who spoke with deep emotion, described Buhari’s life as one of austere honour, lived in quiet courage and sincere conviction. According to him, Buhari was unmoved by the temptations of power, unseduced by applause, and unafraid of the loneliness that often visits those who choose to do what is right, rather than what is popular. He praised Buhari’s unwavering devotion to service, faith in Nigeria’s democracy, and incorruptible character.
Recalling a pivotal moment during the 2023 elections, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, revealed that Buhari had written a personal letter dated June 9, 2022, urging governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to support Tinubu’s presidential bid. The letter, which dismissed claims that Buhari was indifferent to Tinubu’s emergence, called on the party’s governors to unite behind Tinubu as a tested and trusted leader capable of guiding the party to victory. President Tinubu referenced the letter as evidence of Buhari’s firm backing and commitment to a smooth democratic transition.
Several key government officials took turns to pay glowing tributes to the late statesman. Senate President Godswill Akpabio described Buhari as a principled and selfless leader who prioritized duty above personal comfort, and who gave everything in service to a country that demanded much from him. Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, reflected on Buhari’s life of modesty, moral clarity, and devotion to family and faith, saying his legacy is deeply interwoven with Nigeria’s national history.
Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, who chair the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, also spoke passionately about Buhari’s unwavering patriotism and steadfast commitment to nation-building. Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, said the late President’s life was marked by integrity and deep faith, added that it served as an inspiration for all Nigerians to remain hopeful about the future. Other ministers and senior government officials joined in celebrating a man they described as compassionate, sincere, and completely devoted to public service.
Yusuf Buhari, son of the late President, delivered an emotional message of appreciation on behalf of the family. He thanked Nigerians from all walks of life, including members of the diplomatic community, for the honour accorded to his father in death. He also expressed special gratitude to President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and their spouses for the exceptional support extended to the Buhari family from the time the late President took ill until his passing.
According to Yusuf, the outpouring of love and respect demonstrated that his father was seen not only as a politician, but as a father figure and a friend to many. His passing, he said, has left a void that words alone cannot fill.
