President Bola Tinubu on Thursday led heartfelt tributes during a special session of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) held at the State House, Abuja, in honour of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away in London on Sunday and was buried in Daura on Tuesday.
The solemn event brought together key figures in Nigeria’s political leadership, including members of the National Assembly, Federal Executive Council, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, and Buhari’s children. The gathering reflected the profound national loss and the high esteem in which the late president was held.
In his address, President Tinubu described Buhari as a man who led Nigeria with restraint, ruled with dignity, and carried the heavy responsibilities of leadership without complaint.
“He was first among soldiers in war, first among citizens in peace, and first, without ambition or flattery, in the hearts of his fellow citizens,” Tinubu said.
Tinubu emphasised that Buhari’s greatness shone brightest in the simplicity and sincerity of his private life. He called him “pious without show, just without cruelty, humane without sentimentality, temperate without coldness, and sincere without guile.”
The president praised Buhari’s unwavering integrity and moral discipline, both in public and private life:
“His life was a rebuke to vice and a refuge for virtue. The purity of his private character gave radiance to the discipline and integrity of his public service,” he added.
Reflecting on Buhari’s final moments, Tinubu said the late leader met death with the same calm and dignity that had defined his life.
“Even in death, he maintained the serenity that defined him in life: not a sigh, not a groan, just a quiet submission to the will of God.”
He lauded Buhari’s lifelong patriotism and selfless service, noting that he lived through every phase of Nigeria’s modern journey—from pre-independence youth to military service and elected leadership.
“His was a quiet courage, a righteousness that never announced itself. His patriotism was lived more in action than in words.”
President Tinubu also expressed his gratitude to the Inter-Ministerial Committee, led by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda, for organising a dignified state funeral within 48 hours of Buhari’s passing.
He extended condolences to Mrs. Aisha Buhari, her children, the wider Buhari family, the government and people of Katsina State, and all Nigerians who mourn the loss.
“Our gratitude will remain with President Buhari’s family, who provided him with the comfort and strength to serve our nation in various capacities throughout over 50 years of public service. We honour his service, reflect on his legacy, and pray for the peaceful repose of his soul.”