Late former President Muhammadu Buhari and President Bola Tinubu
By DAVID IORJA, Abuja-
President Bola Tinubu spearheaded heartfelt tributes to former President Muhammadu Buhari during a special Federal Executive Council (FEC) session held on Thursday at the State House in Abuja.
Buhari, who passed away in a London hospital on Sunday, was laid to rest in Daura, Katsina State, on Tuesday, with Tinubu in attendance.
The session saw the presence of National Assembly leaders, FEC members, Nigeria Governors’ Forum representatives, Buhari’s children, and other dignitaries.
In his moving tribute, Tinubu described Buhari as a leader of remarkable restraint and dignity.
“He led with restraint, governed with dignity, and bore leadership’s burdens without complaint,” Tinubu said, adding, “First among soldiers in war, first among citizens in peace, he was first in the hearts of Nigerians, without ambition or flattery.”
Tinubu highlighted Buhari’s private virtues, noting, “His true greatness shone in his private life: pious without pretense, just without cruelty, humane without sentimentality, and sincere without guile.” He praised Buhari’s respectful demeanor toward peers, kindness to subordinates, and tenderness to loved ones, stating, “His life was a rebuke to vice and a refuge for virtue. His private character illuminated the integrity of his public service.”
Reflecting on Buhari’s legacy, Tinubu remarked, “Even in death, he maintained the serenity that defined him—no sigh, no groan, just quiet submission to God’s will.”
He described Buhari as a patriot of “quiet courage,” unmoved by power’s temptations and steadfast in righteousness.
“His life traced Nigeria’s journey, from a young soldier keeping the nation whole to a vigilant leader in peace,” Tinubu added.
The President expressed gratitude to the Inter-Ministerial Committee, led by Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, and Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda for organizing a dignified state funeral within 48 hours.
“We honor Buhari’s over 50 years of service and pray for the peaceful repose of his soul,” Tinubu said, extending condolences to Aisha Buhari, her children, the Buhari family, and the people of Katsina State.
Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to preserving Buhari’s legacy, stating, “We remain grateful to his family, who gave him the strength to serve Nigeria devotedly.”
