President Bola Tinubu on Thursday described the late former President Muhammadu Buhari as a man of quiet dignity, whose character remained unchanged in both life and death.
Speaking at a special session of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) held in honour of the late leader at the State House in Abuja, Tinubu said Buhari embodied discipline, humility and incorruptibility throughout his decades of public service.
“In death, as in life, he remained dignified. Not a sigh, not a groan — just a quiet submission to the will of God. Such was the man Nigeria has lost,” the President said during his emotional tribute.
The solemn gathering drew ministers, top government officials and associates of the late President, who died earlier in the week and was buried in Daura, Katsina State, following a state funeral.
Tinubu described Buhari as a leader who bore the burdens of leadership without complaint, a patriot who governed with restraint, and a man who lived with courage, conviction, and simplicity.
“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 stated.
The President also announced the renaming of the University of Maiduguri to Muhammadu Buhari University in honour of the late statesman, describing it as a tribute to Buhari’s commitment to education and national unity.
“Let us honour him not only with words, but with humility in power, discipline in service, compassion in governance, and fearlessness in the pursuit of justice,” Tinubu urged.
He praised the Buhari family for standing by him throughout his over 50 years in public service and commended the Inter-Ministerial Committee led by SGF George Akume and Governor Dikko Radda for organising a befitting state funeral within 48 hours.
“President Buhari was not a perfect man – no leader is – but he was, in every sense of the word, a good man, a decent man, an honourable man,” Tinubu said.
Closing his tribute, Tinubu referred to Buhari by the popular moniker, Mai Gaskiya — the truthful one — and said his life would remain a guiding light for generations to come.
“President Buhari, thank you. Nigeria will remember you.”
