President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday led a solemn and emotional special session of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in honour of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away earlier this week at the age of 82.
The session, held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, brought together current cabinet members, Buhari’s former ministers, and family members, including his son Yusuf, to reflect on the late leader’s legacy.
In his tribute, President Tinubu described Buhari as a man of rare integrity, discipline, and unwavering patriotism. Tracing Buhari’s decades-long career in public service—from military governor of the North-Eastern State, Head of State from 1983 to 1985, to his two-term presidency between 2015 and 2023—Tinubu said Buhari’s life was defined by duty, humility, and fidelity to both country and faith.
“He did not seek to command from the shadows,” Tinubu remarked, commending Buhari’s decision to return quietly to private life after office, a move the president said demonstrated true democratic spirit.
The president also announced that the University of Maiduguri in Borno State would be renamed Muhammadu Buhari University, Maiduguri in honour of the late statesman. The declaration was met with a round of applause from attendees.
Buhari was buried on Tuesday, July 15, in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, following a state funeral organised within 48 hours. Tinubu praised the efforts of the Inter-Ministerial Committee led by Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume and Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State for their swift coordination.
Extending condolences to Buhari’s widow, Hajia Aisha Buhari, his children, and the people of Katsina, Tinubu closed by calling on Nigerians to remember Buhari’s legacy with pride and pray for the peaceful repose of his soul.
