- He was hallmark of integrity and humility – Bagudu
- His leadership pivotal in recapturing lost lands to Boko Haram, rebuilding northeast’s economy. – Pate
- He loved all, championed devt. Umahi
- His integrity unmatched by material temptations – Alake
- Sulaiman-Ibrahim: He saw the marginalized, listened, and acted
From Julianq Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
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The Federal Executive Council (FEC) convened a special session in Abuja, presided over by President Bola Tinubu, to honour the late President Muhammadu Buhari had ministers, top officials, and members of Buhari’s family united in a deeply emotional ceremony, each recalling the former leader’s towering personality, ethics, and indelible impact on Nigeria. The tributes were marked by personal anecdotes, historical reflection, and a candid assessment of Buhari’s leadership.
Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo delivered a passionate tribute, describing Buhari as a singular figure who shaped Nigeria at multiple junctures in its history, adding that he was a patriot who served unblemished.
“The passing of late President Muhammadu Buhari has evoked different emotions and reactions from the length and breadth of Nigeria and beyond. This is expected, for he was one of only two people to govern our country twice—first as a military head, then as a democratically elected president,” he.
Reflecting on Buhari’s character, Keyamo said: “There is one consensus, however, amidst all the varied opinions: President Muhammadu Buhari served this country completely unblemished. Whether judged harshly or kindly, he embodied honesty and integrity. He inspired uncompromising transparency and accountability in public office—he was a moral and ethical compass for us all.”
Keyamo recounted his close working relationship with Buhari, emphasizing the president’s discipline: “I was privileged to serve him in different capacities—first as his campaign spokesman in 2019, then as minister. From these vantage positions, I saw he was a fierce stickler for order and discipline. He never sacrificed hierarchy or discipline for personal relationships. Subordinates, no matter how close, would step aside if unable to work with their superiors.”
He summarised Buhari’s legacy as one of reinvention and national service: “Few in history have the chance to reinvent themselves at the highest level. Buhari moved from being a stern military dictator in the 1980s, to perceived election loser, to hero and symbol of hope defeating an incumbent in 2015, and finally to a president who handed over power peacefully and democratically. He ticked every box of a quintessential patriot, a fine officer, and an exceptional statesman. He came, he fought, and he conquered. He has finished the course and won a good race.”
Minister of Budget and Economic Planning Atiku Bagudu spoke of Buhari’s unwavering commitment to ethical leadership and the weight of responsibility he shouldered as president, describing him as a hallmark of integrity and humility.
“To say that President Buhari is a former president is an understatement. He personified age, humility, sincerity, and clarity of thought. During grave times, like when 27 states could not pay salaries, he treated the economic crisis as a genuine national challenge. He convened councils where issues were transparently discussed by all—this strengthened our federation and national acceptance of our common challenges.”
Bagudu described Buhari’s attitude towards governance, citing the president’s insistence on transparency and the rule of law: “He interrogated and stated the problems he encountered very patriotically and nationally. He never played games—regardless of the region or the issue, he dealt directly and honestly. I received several letters from him as party chairman, all emphasizing respect for due process. In one letter, he wrote: ‘It has come to my attention that recent events have plunged the party into multiple court cases. No doubt, these controversies illumine both the threats and possible non-recognition of its activities by INEC. This may ultimately be an issue between the party and INEC.’ He would not tolerate even the suggestion of bending the law for political expediency.”
The minister further underscored Buhari’s approach to justice and fairness: “He was fair to all governors, regardless of party. He insisted on financial prudence and transparency, often at personal political risk. Those are the hallmarks of his integrity.”
Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate, offered a sweeping account of Buhari’s five-decade influence on Nigeria, especially in the northeast.
“Today, we honour the indelible footprints of a quiet but resolute leader. His legacy stretches symmetrically across Nigeria’s half a century of post-independence history. When, as Lieutenant-Colonel, he was appointed governor of the Northeastern State—covering much of today’s region—his pro-poor policies, infrastructural upgrades, and social justice efforts ignited lifelong popular support.”
Pate described Buhari’s accomplishments as state governor and the foundation he laid for Borno, along with his later national impact: “As the first military governor of the new Borno State, Colonel Buhari built its administrative infrastructure and oversaw a smooth regional transition. Later, as Federal Commissioner of Petroleum Resources, thousands of new oil pipelines, a refinery, and new depots were developed.”
He reflected on the former president’s various roles, including his tenure as head of state, champion of “War on Indiscipline,” and chair of the Petroleum Trust Fund: “His War on Indiscipline brought sanity and efficiency to public places and markets. He understood that nation-building starts with core values. As PTF chairman, he modernized roads, delivered millions of textbooks and drugs nationwide, and ensured potable water and improved health facilities reached remote communities. For us in the northeast, the PTF projects became legendary.”
Pate also highlighted Buhari’s response to crises: “When the onslaught of Boko Haram was such that our economy slowed near standstill, Buhari’s leadership was pivotal in recapturing lost lands, resettling displaced people, restoring traditional leadership, and rebuilding the northeast’s economy.”
He drew lessons from Buhari’s personal character: “President Buhari was the same in private and public—composed, disciplined, and courageous in his convictions. He understood the ephemerality of life and power, resisted worldly attachments, and lived modestly, with humour and humility. He often joked with friends but never lost sight of his responsibilities. His authenticity, courage, and humility are enduring lessons for us all. May Allah grant him Jannah Firdaus and bless his family.”
Minister of Works David Umahi recounted his personal experiences, emphasising Buhari’s inclusiveness and support for progress, regardless of party or state: “When the news broke that President Buhari had died, it was unbelievable. He lived a selfless life, from disciplined soldier rising in the Army, to military governor, then military and civilian president. As governor during his presidency, I witnessed unforgettable moments.”
Umahi recalled moving encounters and Buhari’s hands-on approach: “I remember my team and I meeting him after joining the party—he called that moment one of his happiest, saying it proved his love for the entire country. When we named my state’s airport after him, he expressed humility and asked we consider naming it after his friend instead. He approved the handover of the airport to the federal government along with a refund to the state.”
“Buhari championed schemes like the Anchor Borrowers Programme, upheld transparency through World Bank-backed initiatives, and insisted on fair financial treatment for all states, regardless of who governed them.”
He offered spiritual reflection: “Let us live and serve in the faith of God. May the soul of our leader, President Buhari, rest in God’s hands.”
Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake and Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Minister of Women Affairs—gave particularly stirring and personal tributes, casting Buhari’s legacy in vivid and deeply human terms.
Alake said Buhari lived a life of integrity unmatched by material temptations.
He described the late former president’s journey from his youthful years to the helm of national leadership as a story of unwavering tenacity and incorruptible discipline. He traced the late president’s path, beginning with a modest upbringing and early dedication to national service: “At 19, he gave his life for Nigeria, in sickness and in health, in war and in peace, in life and in death. He was raised in the ways of his people, schooled in the teachings of the Holy Prophet, and formed by a value system that inspired selfless nationalism,” Alake said.
Drawing on Nigerian history, the minister underlined how Buhari’s career was molded by landmark moments in the military and turbulent civil transitions: “He was trained at the Nigerian Military College and Mons Officer Cadet School in England. At just 20 years old, he became a platoon commander… He fought and survived the Nigerian Civil War. He played a leading role in the coups and countercoups that saw the military intervene in Nigeria’s government.”
Alake acknowledged that Buhari was a leader both venerated and controversial but insisted that integrity underpinned his every move: “The overthrown leader became the cornerstone of a new concept of faith and piety. The masses in the North especially ran to him. He stood for all that the negative elites denied them… He was meant to give his people a voice in a nation undergoing dramatic change. He walked a path guided by integrity and conviction. He made it true to a purpose higher than self.”
The minister issued a call to future generations to draw inspiration from such a legacy: “Let us prepare our children in Kaduna, in nursery classes across Nigeria, that in this country a man lived who would not be tempted by money, nor swayed by material things. That was President Buhari: our hero, our leader for all times.”
Sulaiman-Ibrahim on her part described Buhari as a man who saw the marginalized, listened, and acted.
Focusing on Buhari’s empathy, institutional impact, and lasting concern for Nigeria’s most vulnerable: “Today is a day of remembrance, a day of gratitude, a day to pay our respects to the man of the people, for the people, and by the people,” she said.
She honoured Buhari’s forward-thinking approach to social justice and resilience: “Great nations are built by united countries under whose shade they will never sit. Today, we honour His Excellency—one who sowed seeds of institutional resilience and compassion for the marginalized, knowing that the harvest will outlast his tenure. The best way to honor a legacy is not by burning a nation, but by building on it with courage.”
Drawing on her own experience as a public servant, Sulieman-Ibrahim offered rare glimpses of Buhari’s support for institutional reforms that changed countless lives: “It has been said that a nation is judged by the country’s most vulnerable population. In governance, some are remembered for what they built, but the late President Muhammadu Buhari will be remembered not only for what he built, but for the lives he touched, the people he stood for. He advanced humanitarian response, ensured the legal backing for migrants, refugees, and displaced people, and always acted for the most vulnerable.”
She gave concrete proof of his support: “As Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, I led the fight against human trafficking. With his support, Nigeria was elevated from the U.S. Tier 2 Watch List to Tier 2—a pivotal achievement. Later, as Federal Commissioner for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons, I saw a president who carried a burden of displacement as a personal mission. He ensured the signing of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons Act of 2022, a historic milestone that came after eight failed attempts and over 14 years of delay. This gave legal backing and hope to those most in need.”
She concluded with a call for collective commitment: “He will be remembered for strengthening our institutions, for advancing dignity to the displaced, and for insisting that even the most marginalized deserve a voice. We are honoring the party by empowering the future—and in so doing, we honour President Buhari.”
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