Nation Bids Farewell: Tinubu Leads Emotional FEC Tribute to Late President Buhari
Nigeria's political elite converged in Abuja on Thursday, July 17, 2025, for a solemn, expanded Federal Executive Council (FEC) session dedicated entirely to honoring the memory of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on July 13, 2025. This poignant gathering, a central part of the state mourning activities approved by President Bola Tinubu, followed Buhari's burial in Daura just two days prior.
A Grand Assembly of Leaders and Family
The session, presided over by President Bola Tinubu, transcended a typical cabinet meeting, drawing a wide spectrum of Nigeria's leadership and members of the late President's family. Notable attendees included:
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who had earlier led a federal government delegation to Buhari's fidau (third-day prayer) in Daura.
All cabinet ministers of the Federal Executive Council.
The entire leadership of the National Assembly, featuring Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, their deputies, Barau Jibril and Benjamin Kalu, respectively.
The Judiciary, represented by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.
Crucially, representatives of the late President's family, including his son, Yusuf Buhari, and three of his sisters (Fatima, Hadiza, and Halima Buhari). Former First Lady, Aisha Buhari, was conspicuously absent.
Several State Governors, led by the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack.
Heartfelt Tributes to a "Spartan Leader"
The special FEC session was a deeply emotional occasion, filled with heartfelt eulogies and profound reflections on President Buhari's life and enduring legacy.
President Bola Tinubu led the tributes, hailing Buhari as a leader of "austere honour" and "quiet courage." He described him as "a good man, a decent man, an honourable man," whose life exemplified duty, patriotism, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to Nigeria's unity and progress. Tinubu acknowledged that while Buhari's record would be debated, the "integrity and moral force" he brought to public life would forever remain an "incorruptible standard." He fondly recalled their shared political journey that culminated in Nigeria's historic 2015 peaceful democratic power transfer.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio further described Buhari as a "spartan leader" who walked the narrow path of honor and duty, unequivocally stating that "even his critics will admit that he never embezzled public funds as president."
House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas resonated with this sentiment, describing Buhari's life as "deeply woven into the fabric of our republic," and recognizing him as "a sentinel of service, a steward of simplicity, and a statesman shaped by sacrifice." He lauded Buhari's unwavering moral clarity in an era often defined by materialism.
Responding on behalf of the family, Yusuf Buhari conveyed immense gratitude to President Tinubu and all Nigerians for the overwhelming support and honor shown to his late father. He noted that the outpouring of grief affirmed that his father was regarded "far more than a politician but regarded as a father figure." Other ministers and dignitaries also offered personal tributes, consistently highlighting Buhari's humility, discipline, and dedication to public service.
University Renamed, Legacy Honored
A significant announcement during the session was President Tinubu's directive that the University of Maiduguri, a revered 50-year-old institution, would henceforth be known as Muhammadu Buhari University of Maiduguri. This renaming serves as a lasting tribute to the former president's ideals and enduring legacy.
The session collectively served as a formal platform for the current administration and national leadership to extend their deepest condolences to the Buhari family and to express the nation's profound gratitude for his over five decades of unwavering public service. Speakers unanimously reiterated a commitment to upholding the core values and principles that President Buhari exemplified, including integrity, discipline, and patriotism.
The special FEC session was a truly poignant and pivotal event, underscoring a national moment of reflection and deep respect for a leader who has left an indelible mark on Nigeria's rich history.
