President Bola Tinubu, on Thursday, led tributes to the late former president, Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as a leader whose patriotism was defined by deeds rather than rhetoric.
Speaking at a special session of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in Abuja, convened in Buhari’s honour, Tinubu said the former president embodied “quiet courage, moral clarity, and unyielding devotion to Nigeria.”
Buhari, who governed the country between 2015 and 2023, died in London on July 13 after a prolonged illness. He was buried in Daura, Katsina State, on Tuesday according to Islamic rites.
“A patriot in action”
In his address at the Council Chambers, Tinubu praised Buhari’s humility and unwavering principles.
“Today we gather under a heavy shadow to honour a man whose presence once commanded this room, whose convictions never yielded to the strongest winds of public opinion. His patriotism was lived more in action than in words,” Tinubu said.
“Buhari was first among soldiers in war, first among citizens in peace, and first, without ambition or flattery, in the hearts of his fellow Nigerians. He was pious without show, humane without sentimentality, and sincere without guile.”
The president also announced that the University of Maiduguri would be renamed after Buhari as a mark of national gratitude.
Tributes from leaders
The session was attended by top government officials, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, Head of Civil Service Didi Walson-Jack, and governors AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara), Hope Uzodimma (Imo) and Dikko Radda (Katsina).
Buhari’s children were present, though his widow, Dr. Aisha Buhari, was absent as chief mourner.
Senate President Akpabio, who served in Buhari’s cabinet, described him as “a sentinel of Spartan simplicity” and a man who chose duty over self-interest.
“President Buhari was not perfect. No leader is. But he was principled. Where others sought glory, he sought duty,” Akpabio stated.
Speaker Abbas hailed Buhari as “a moral compass” whose life of modesty and devotion to principle inspired a generation.
“Buhari lived not for applause or affluence but for country, for principle, and for the cause of a better Nigeria,” Abbas said.
A life of service
Tinubu recounted Buhari’s public service record, from his military career to his roles as Head of State, Chairman of the Petroleum Trust Fund, and later, democratically elected president.
“His most enduring legacy was his belief in democracy. Together, we built an alliance that led to Nigeria’s first transfer of power from one ruling party to another. He governed with restraint, led with dignity, and left office without seeking to interfere,” Tinubu said.
The president concluded by urging Nigerians to honour Buhari’s memory by embracing discipline, humility, and integrity in service.
“President Buhari was not a perfect man, but he was a good man, an honourable man. His record will be debated, but the moral force he brought to public life will not be forgotten,” he said.
Yusuf Buhari, speaking on behalf of the family, expressed gratitude to Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and the Nigerian people for the honour bestowed on his father.
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