Abuja — President Bola Tinubu led the Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Thursday in paying tribute to the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as “a good man, a decent man, an honourable man,” despite acknowledging his imperfections.
Speaking at a special FEC session held at the State House, Abuja, in honour of Buhari, Tinubu praised the former leader’s legacy of incorruptibility, patriotism, and quiet strength. He urged Nigerians to remember Buhari by emulating the virtues he embodied.
“President Buhari was not a perfect man—no leader is—but he was, in every sense of the word, a good man, a decent man, an honourable man,” Tinubu said. “His record will be debated, as all legacies are, but the character he brought to public life, the moral force he carried, the incorruptible standard he represented, will not be forgotten. His was a life lived in full service to Nigeria, and in fidelity to God.”
The tribute session came two days after Buhari was laid to rest in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, following his death in London at age 82. President Tinubu led the funeral delegation alongside top political and military figures, as Buhari was buried with full state honours.
Reflecting on Buhari’s impact on Nigeria’s political history, Tinubu recalled their shared commitment to democratic transition. “We stood together, he and I. Alongside others drawn from across the political spectrum, regions, and tongues, we formed an alliance that enabled Nigeria to experience its first true democratic transfer of power from one ruling party to another.”
Tinubu highlighted Buhari’s leadership qualities during his presidency: “He led with restraint, governed with dignity, and bore the burdens of leadership without complaint. Those who knew him intimately understood that the authority of that exalted office never changed him. In the face of pressure, he remained calm; in crisis, resolute; in triumph, modest. Most remarkably, he retained his jovial spirit.”
Upon completing his tenure, Buhari returned to Daura not to wield influence from behind the scenes, but to live quietly, “never seeking to impose his will but content to let others carry the nation forward,” Tinubu said.
Describing Buhari’s character, the president added, “His life was one of austere honour. He stood always ramrod straight; unmoved by the temptation of power, unseduced by applause, and unafraid of the loneliness that attends those who do what is right rather than what is popular. His was a quiet courage, a righteousness that never announced itself. His patriotism was lived more in action than in words.”
Tinubu also praised Buhari’s military and political legacy, noting his service from Nigeria’s civil war to his civilian leadership. “Born before independence, he became a young soldier in the struggle to keep our nation whole. In war and in peace, he served with vigilance and determination, as if the task of watching over Nigeria had been assigned to him alone.”
He further highlighted Buhari’s roles as military Head of State (1983-1985), chairman of the Petroleum Trust Fund, and democratically elected President (2015-2023), emphasizing his “Spartan rigour” and “complete fidelity to the public good.”
Concluding, Tinubu expressed condolences to Buhari’s family and the people of Katsina State, thanking them for their sacrifice during his years of service. Buhari’s children, including Yusuf Buhari, were present at the special FEC session.
