Nation Pays Tribute as Leaders Hail Buhari’s Legacy of Integrity, Discipline, and Service
Tributes have continued to pour in following the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, with prominent Nigerians honouring him as a statesman, patriot, and a model of integrity who devoted his life to public service.
In an emotional tribute, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, described Buhari as a leader who embodied “quiet strength, moral clarity and an unshakable sense of duty.”
“President Buhari was no ordinary figure in our national journey,” Abbas said. “At a time when society was seduced by materialism, he chose a life of modest means and meaningful service. He lived not for applause or affluence but for principle, for country, and for the cause of a better Nigeria.”
The Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) also eulogised the late leader, calling him a committed servant of the nation. Chairman of the Forum and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman Abdulrazaaq, praised President Bola Tinubu for according his predecessor a historic and symbolic state burial.
“Across the North and South of our great nation, Buhari’s legacies remain visible and impactful,” Abdulrazaaq said. “Your Excellency’s gesture towards your brother and predecessor reflects a spirit of national unity and respect for service.”
He added, “The state burial reflects the esteem in which he was held—not just by this administration, but by the Nigerian people.”
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who served under Buhari’s administration, remembered him as a man of unwavering integrity.
“He served this country completely unblemished,” Keyamo said. “He was not given to the primitive acquisition of unearned wealth, austere in lifestyle, not inclined to showboating, and incredibly honest to the core. He was a moral and ethical compass in governance.”
Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, hailed Buhari’s disciplined and principled life, saying his legacy would stand the test of time.
“The global outpouring of tributes affirms his status as a respected leader,” Pate noted. “As Nigeria’s history is written, Buhari’s name will remain indelible.”
He also called out critics attempting to diminish Buhari’s legacy, urging them to draw lessons from his humility, dedication, and lifelong service to Nigeria.
The late president’s son, Yusuf Muhammadu Buhari, who attended the special session with three of his sisters, expressed deep appreciation to President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, their spouses, and the leadership of the National Assembly for the support and honour extended to their family.
Other dignitaries who paid tribute included the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Didi Walson-Jack; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu; Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake; Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi; and Minister of Women Affairs, Hajia Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim.
The solemn tributes reflected the depth of national respect for Buhari, with many remembering him as “Mai Gaskiya”—a leader who lived and died with honour, devotion, and purpose.
