President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is currently presiding over a special session of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) dedicated to honouring the memory of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on Sunday, July 13, in London following a long-term but undisclosed illness.
This expanded council meeting, held in Abuja, drew the attendance of key figures from Nigeria’s political leadership. Present at the solemn session were the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio; the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibril; and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu. The presence of Buhari’s children in the Council Chambers further emphasized the deeply personal and national nature of the occasion. However, the former First Lady, Dr. Aisha Buhari, was noticeably absent.
Former President Buhari, who governed Nigeria from 2015 until 2023, was laid to rest on Tuesday in Daura, his hometown in Katsina State, in accordance with Islamic rites. The funeral followed his death in the United Kingdom, where he had been undergoing treatment.
President Tinubu arrived at the Council Chambers at approximately 5:27 p.m., by which time the majority of cabinet members were already seated. The session began with the national anthem, after which the President delivered a heartfelt tribute to his predecessor.
In his speech, Tinubu described Buhari as a figure whose quiet patriotism and integrity left a lasting impression. “He was respectful without pretence to his peers. He was kind to those who served under him. Even in death, he maintained the serenity that defined him in life,” Tinubu remarked.
Reflecting on the late President’s legacy, Tinubu emphasized that Buhari’s sense of duty and service spoke louder than any rhetoric. “His patriotism was lived more in action than in words. The authority in office never changed him in face of crisis, he remained resolute. He was in every sense of the word a good man, an honorable man and a decent man,” the President stated.
The special FEC session, infused with solemnity and reverence, underscored the significance of Buhari’s impact on Nigeria’s political landscape and the enduring respect he commanded, both in and out of office.
What you should know
Former President Muhammadu Buhari, who served Nigeria from 2015 to 2023, was honoured in a special Federal Executive Council session led by President Tinubu. His passing marks the end of a political era defined by his reserved nature, strong principles, and unyielding commitment to national service.
