President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday led a special session of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in honour of his predecessor, the late President Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as a symbol of honour, discipline, and moral integrity in public service.
The event, held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, was convened to pay tribute to the former military ruler and two-term democratically elected president.
In an emotional address, President Tinubu extolled Buhari’s lifelong commitment to Nigeria, recalling his humble leadership style, unwavering patriotism, and rare post-office restraint. “Even in death, he remained serene — quietly submitting to the will of God,” Tinubu said. “He was not a perfect man — no leader is — but he was, in every sense, a good, decent, and honourable man.”
Highlighting Buhari’s significant contributions — from governing the defunct North-Eastern State to chairing the Petroleum Trust Fund with unmatched discipline — Tinubu noted that Buhari’s most enduring legacy remains his democratic spirit.
“When many had lost hope in change, Buhari put his faith in the people and helped engineer Nigeria’s first true democratic transition of power between ruling parties,” he stated.
To immortalise his legacy, Tinubu announced that the FEC has approved the renaming of the University of Maiduguri to Muhammadu Buhari University, in recognition of his service to the nation and his deep ties to the North-East region.
President Tinubu also praised the efforts of the Inter-Ministerial Committee, led by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, for organizing a befitting State Funeral within 48 hours.
He extended heartfelt condolences to the former First Lady, Aisha Buhari, her children, and the entire Buhari family, acknowledging their strength and sacrifice in supporting the late statesman’s decades of national service.
