…hails him as patriot, soldier, statesman
…schedules emergency FEC meeting for Tuesday to honour late leader
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has pledged that the Federal Government will accord former President Muhammadu Buhari full state honours befitting his status as a national leader who gave his life to the service of the country.
In a heartfelt tribute issued on Sunday evening following Buhari’s death in a UK hospital, President Tinubu described the late former leader as “a patriot, a soldier, a statesman” whose life was defined by duty, honour, and an unwavering commitment to the unity and progress of Nigeria.
“It is with profound sorrow and a heavy heart that I received the news of the passing of His Excellency, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (Rtd), GCFR. President Buhari was, to the very core, a patriot. His legacy of service and sacrifice endures”, the statement read.
President Tinubu affirmed that the government will honour Buhari’s memory in line with the magnitude of his contributions to national development.
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“The Federal Government will accord President Buhari full state honours befitting his towering contributions to our country,” he said.
He noted that Buhari’s service to the country spanned decades, first as a military Head of State from January 1984 to August 1985, and then as a democratically elected President from 2015 to 2023.
“Duty, honour, and a deep commitment to the unity and progress of our nation defined his life. He stood firm through the most turbulent times, leading with quiet strength, profound integrity, and an unshakable belief in Nigeria’s potential,” Tinubu stated.
The President praised Buhari’s relentless fight against corruption, his advocacy for discipline in public service, and his consistent choice to put the country above personal interest.
“He championed discipline in public service, confronted corruption head-on, and placed the country above personal interest at every turn,” Tinubu noted.
As part of the national mourning protocol, President Tinubu ordered all national flags to be flown at half-staff for seven days beginning Sunday, July 13.
He also announced that an emergency session of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) would be held on Tuesday, July 15, dedicated to honouring Buhari’s memory.
In extending his condolences, President Tinubu said he had been in constant touch with the late President’s widow, Mrs. Aisha Buhari.
He also offered his sympathies to Buhari’s children, the larger Buhari family, the government and people of Katsina State, and traditional rulers of the Daura Emirate.
“We honour his service. We reflect on his legacy. And we pray for the peaceful repose of his soul. May Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus”, Tinubu said.
The President concluded his statement by urging Nigerians to let Buhari’s life serve as a guiding light, saying “may his life continue to inspire generations of Nigerians to serve with courage, conviction, and selflessness.”