At a special Federal Executive Council (FEC) session in Abuja’s State House, President Bola Tinubu remembered former president Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away recently.
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A guy of “austere honour” and “quiet courage” was how Tinubu characterised the late leader. Additionally, he lauded Buhari for his patriotic service in the military and his democratic leadership.
Here is Tinubu’s entire tribute speech as given at the FEC meeting: At the special session of the federal executive council held in honour of the late president, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, paid tribute.
On Thursday, July 17, 2025, in Abuja, at the State House
PROTOCOL
Amidst the stillness that envelops a fallen leader and the tremendous burden of a life that will be felt for years to come, we assemble here today beneath a heavy shadow.
This gathering is in memory of a man whose aura once filled the room, whose words inspired us to be our best selves, and whose principles stood firm regardless of the tides of public opinion. Rest in peace, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, formerly of Nigeria and the country’s top political official.
Without avarice or flattery, he ranked first in the hearts of his fellow people, first among warriors in war, and first among citizens during peace.
His real greatness—piety without display, justice without brutality, humanity without sentimentality, temperance without coldness, and sincerity without guile—was shown, however, in the intimate, unadorned settings of his life.
Everyone he met was inspired by his poise, dignity, and unwavering presence; he was a model of stability and strength. It persists, nevertheless.
He maintained an air of humility and respect among his contemporaries. He was courteous without being condescending to his subordinates.
And he was always kind, faithful, and kind with the people he loved the most deeply. His life served as an example of virtue and an admonition to immorality. His selfless dedication to public service shone brightly because of his impeccable personal character.
His peaceful surrender to God’s will was evident even in death, as he remained silent and unmoved. Nigeria has lost a man of his calibre. Our nation is mourning the loss of a man like this.
An austere honour characterised President Buhari’s life. Always unwavering in his stance, he refused to be swayed by the allure of power, the praise of others, or the isolation that comes with standing up for what is right instead of what is popular.
A quiet justice and modest bravery shone through him. His actions spoke louder than words when it came to his patriotism.
The trajectory of Nigeria’s history was mirrored in his life. Even though he was born before we gained our independence, he joined the fight to preserve our country as a young soldier.
Whether at war or at peace, he served with the same unwavering focus and resolve as if guarding Nigeria were his sole responsibility. He never wavered in his devotion to the mission, whether he was on the battlefield or in the halls of power. He served as both head of state and governor of the northeastern state.
He went on to lead the Petroleum Trust Fund again years later, and this time he was completely dedicated to serving the public interest while exercising Spartan discipline.
Despite everything he had accomplished, the cornerstone of his legacy would be the establishment of democratic principles. Muhammadu Buhari had trust in the Nigerian people at a time when many others had given up on the possibility of change.
We were both standing side by side. We joined forces with people from all corners of Nigeria’s political spectrum, as well as from other regions and languages, to establish an alliance that helped bring about the country’s first genuine democratic transfer of power. With dignity and control, he took the oath of office as our party’s first elected president and dutifully carried out his duties.
Those closest to him recognised that the prestige of his position had no effect on him. He kept his cool under duress. He kept his resolve even when faced with adversity. He kept his head down when faced with success. Surprisingly, he kept his cheerful disposition.
Returning to Daura when his term expired, he continued living the same manner he had before, willing to let others lead the country and never trying to impose his will.
While it’s true that no leader is without flaws, President Buhari exemplified the virtues of goodness, decency, and dignity in every way.
Though his legacy will undoubtedly be the subject of heated controversy, no one will ever forget the moral compass he wielded, the unwavering ideal he stood for, or the character he brought to public life. Throughout his life, he remained faithful to God and dedicated himself entirely to serving Nigeria.
He is now exhausted and needs to sleep. We who are left behind have a responsibility to uphold the legacy of his life. Let us show our respect for him by being modest in authority, self-controlled in our service, caring in our leadership, and courageous in our quest for justice.
A grateful nation said goodbye to one of her most distinguished sons on Tuesday, July 15, 2025. Along with Vice President Kashim Shettima, it was a tremendous privilege to preside over his funeral procession to Daura and observe his burial with the respect due to a great and honourable leader.
George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and Governor Dikko Radda, who headed the Inter-Ministerial Committee, deserve our gratitude for arranging a state funeral worthy of the occasion in less than two days.
At this time of national grief, my deepest sympathies go out to Hajia Aisha Buhari, her children, the Buhari family as a whole, the people and government of Katsina State, and everyone who was fortunate enough to know and love him.
We will always be grateful to President Buhari’s loved ones, who gave him the strength and solace he needed to serve our country in a variety of positions for more than half a century. We pay tribute to his service, think about his impact, and hope for his soul to rest in peace.
Your mission is fulfilled, Mai Gaskiya, the People’s general and the Farmer President. He begs Allah to pardon his transgressions and grant him paradise in the hereafter. I pray that generations of Nigerians would be motivated by his example to serve with bravery, dedication, and sacrifice.
Thank you, President Buhari. You will be remembered by Nigeria.
Dr. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR
You are the Head of State and the Chief of the Guard.