Gowon, Bagudu, Zulum, Radda say Buhari did his best for Nigeria

General Yakubu Gowon (rtd), former Head of State, and other prominent Nigerians have paid glowing tribute to late former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as a patriotic leader who devoted his life to the unity and progress of Nigeria.

They spoke on Monday on the occasion of Buhari’s first year remembrance held at the Army Conference Centre in Abuja.

BusinessDay reports that Buhari died on July 13, 2025, at a clinic in London following a prolonged illness. He was flown back to Nigeria and buried in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, in accordance with Islamic rites.

His funeral was attended by President Bola Tinubu, senior government officials, political leaders, traditional rulers, foreign dignitaries and thousands of mourners who gathered to pay their final respects to the former Nigerian leader.

Reflecting on their long relationship, Gowon said they served together in the military and shared a commitment to preserving Nigeria’s unity.

He noted that Buhari remained resolute in his presidential ambition, contesting several elections before eventually winning in 2015 after forming a political alliance with President Bola Tinubu.

Gowon credited Buhari for standing firmly behind Tinubu’s succession in 2023, saying the late president believed in rewarding loyalty and ensuring continuity.

“I would like to say that President Buhari did his best for Nigeria. His integrity and sense of fairness knew no bounds,” Gowon said. He also recalled Buhari’s personal kindness, revealing that the former president once assisted him in paying his children’s school fees while he was in the United Kingdom.

Gowon further praised Buhari and former President Goodluck Jonathan for their roles in ensuring the peaceful transfer of power after the 2015 presidential election, describing their conduct as a defining moment for Nigeria’s democracy.

“The respect and support shown to Buhari during his burial reflected the high regard Nigerians had for him,” Gowon added.

Similarly, Dikko Umaru Radda, Governor of Katsina State, represented by his deputy, Faruk Lawal, said late former President Buhari dedicated his life to the service of Nigeria, describing him as a man of integrity who pursued bold reforms across critical sectors.

Radda said Buhari’s administration recorded major achievements in infrastructure, agriculture, power, security, social investment and institutional reforms, with unprecedented investments in rail transportation, road construction, airport rehabilitation and agricultural interventions aimed at strengthening food security and economic resilience.

He urged leaders to remain selfless and place national interest above regional or sectional considerations. He added that beyond his accomplishments, Buhari exemplified modesty, discipline and humility, noting that he remained deeply connected to his roots and committed to the development of Katsina State.

Simon Lalong, former governor of Plateau State, described Buhari as a patriot who placed Nigeria’s interests above personal comfort. He said the late president’s commitment to peace, national unity, economic development and the fight against corruption should serve as a lasting example for Nigerians.

Babagana Zulum, governor of Borno State, recalled that Buhari assumed office when the Boko Haram insurgency posed an existential threat to the North-East, but steered the country with courage, integrity and patriotism.

He described Buhari as a listening leader who appreciated realities on the ground and took decisive steps to address security challenges.

Also, Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, said Buhari devoted his life to serving both his family and the nation with integrity.

He noted that the former president ran an inclusive government, invested heavily in security and the economy, and laid foundations that the administration of President Bola Tinubu is building upon.

Similarly, Lai Mohammed, former Minister of Information and National Orientation, said Buhari would be remembered for his unwavering anti-corruption stance, patriotism and commitment to Nigeria’s unity and stability.

Earlier, Boss Mustapha, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, said the remembrance was an opportunity for Nigerians to draw lessons from Buhari’s life, describing his dedication to national service as the defining legacy of his public career.