President Bola Tinubu on Monday paid an emotional tribute to his predecessor, the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, saying the ex-Nigerian leader earned the enduring trust and affection of Nigerians through a lifetime of honesty, discipline and selfless service.
Tinubu spoke in Abuja during the presentation of a Book of Tribute to commemorate the first anniversary of Buhari’s death at the Army Conference Centre.
BusinessDay recalls that Buhari died in a London clinic on July 13, 2025, following a prolonged illness. His remains were flown to Nigeria and buried in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, in accordance with Islamic rites.
His funeral was attended by President Tinubu, senior government officials, political leaders, traditional rulers, foreign dignitaries and thousands of mourners.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the first year anniversary, Tinubu also revealed how he directed the Vice President to travel to London immediately after learning of Buhari’s deteriorating health.
In his tribute, Tinubu described Buhari as a leader whose legacy transcended political office, saying his life had become permanently etched in Nigeria’s national consciousness.
“We are gathered not out of obligation, but out of the necessity of reflection, to consider again what President Buhari meant to us as a friend, leader, father, husband and citizen,” he said.
The President noted that Buhari devoted his entire life to Nigeria, serving first as a military leader before reinventing himself as a democrat committed to constitutional governance.
“He gave everything he had to this country without reservation. He served with courage, conviction and patriotism that never asked what the nation could return to him,” Tinubu said.
Tinubu said Buhari achieved what few leaders attain, retaining the confidence and affection of ordinary citizens long after leaving office.
“When he laid down the burden of leadership, the trust of ordinary Nigerians did not depart from him. Such constancy is not given; it is earned through a lifetime of agreement between what a man says and what a man is,” Tinubu said.
He urged Nigerians to preserve Buhari’s legacy by embracing the values he embodied.
“Our duty as his friends, mentees and associates is to carry forward the inheritance he left us, honesty, simplicity and self-discipline. That is the only tribute worthy of him,”Tinubu added.
The president also assured Buhari’s family of the federal government’s continued support and prayed for the peaceful repose of the late president’s soul, asking Nigerians to honour his memory through exemplary conduct and national service.
On a personal note, Shettima said, “I was in Ethiopia when the President called me and said, ‘Kashim, I have just learned that President Muhammadu Buhari is ill in London. Please proceed there, find out what is happening and ensure he lacks nothing.”
According to him, visiting Buhari in the intensive care unit remains one of the most emotional moments of his public life.
“I came out with tears in my eyes after seeing him. Meeting Zara and Yusuf outside the ICU was deeply moving. Escorting his body back to Nigeria on behalf of President Tinubu remains one of the greatest honours bestowed on me,” he added.
Speaking on behalf of the Buhari family, Hajiya Safina Muhammadu Buhari expressed profound appreciation to all those who joined in mourning the late former President.
“We cannot thank you enough for remembering our father and standing with us during this difficult time. Your prayers, support and kind words have been a great source of comfort to our family. As a family, we remain united and grateful for the outpouring of love shown to us.
“We pray that Almighty Allah accepts our prayers, forgives our father’s shortcomings, grants him eternal rest in Aljannatul Firdaus, and continues to bless everyone who has stood by us,” she said.
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