Tinubu pays emotional tribute to Buhari at special FEC session

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Thursday, led a solemn special session of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) to honour the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as “a good man, a decent man, an honourable man.”

The tribute, released as an official statement by the presidency on Thursday, was a stirring tribute, reflecting on Buhari’s life, legacy, and leadership, just two days after the former president was laid to rest in his hometown, Daura, Katsina State.

“President Buhari was not a perfect man — no leader is — but he was, in every sense of the word, a good man,” Tinubu said, his voice heavy with emotion. “His record will be debated, as all legacies are, but the character he brought to public life… will not be forgotten.”

In his remarks, Tinubu praised Buhari’s “austere honour,” highlighting his unyielding integrity and resistance to “the temptation of power” or “the strongest winds of public opinion.” He called Buhari’s leadership “quiet courage” and described him as “steady in posture and spirit, dignified in bearing, and commanding by his very presence.”

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Tinubu, who shared a political alliance with Buhari that led to Nigeria’s historic democratic transition in 2015, spoke fondly of the former president’s modesty and sense of humour, even in the highest office. “When his tenure ended, he returned to Daura; not to command from the shadows or to hold court, but to live as he always had.”

The President also thanked the Inter-Ministerial Committee, chaired by Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume and Katsina Governor Dikko Radda, for organising a state funeral “within 48 hours” of Buhari’s passing.

Extending condolences to former First Lady Hajia Aisha Buhari and the Buhari family, Tinubu closed his tribute with a prayer: “Mai Gaskiya, The People’s General, the Farmer President — your duty is done. May Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him Aljannah Firdaus.”

President Buhari died on Sunday, July 13, 2025, in London at the age of 82. He served as Nigeria’s military Head of State from 1983 to 1985 and later as democratically elected President from 2015 to 2023. His over 50 years of public service left an indelible mark on the nation.

“Nigeria will remember you,” Tinubu said.