President Bola Tinubu on Monday led governors, former Heads of State, ministers and other dignitaries in paying tribute to former President Muhammadu Buhari as family members, associates and political allies gathered in Abuja to commemorate the first anniversary of his passing.
In a tribute delivered by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu described Buhari as a selfless patriot who dedicated his life to the service of Nigeria, saying the late president gave everything he had to the country without seeking personal reward.
“Buhari’s life is not one this nation is capable of forgetting. He entered the consciousness of Nigeria and his memory will outlive the living,” Tinubu said.
“He served with courage. He served with conviction and with a patriotism that never asked what the nation could return to him.”
Before reading the president’s message, Shettima shared a personal account of Buhari’s final days, revealing that Tinubu had instructed him to travel to London immediately after news emerged of the former president’s illness.
According to him, the President directed him to “ensure he lacks nothing,” a gesture he said reflected Tinubu’s deep respect and affection for his predecessor.
Shettima recalled visiting Buhari in hospital and later being entrusted with the responsibility of accompanying his remains back to Nigeria on behalf of the President, describing it as one of the greatest honours of his public life.
Speaking in his personal capacity, the Vice President reflected on the value of loyalty and friendship, saying, “When you are in power, your friends know you. When you are out of power, you know your friends.”
Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, said Buhari and Tinubu shared a mutually beneficial political alliance, noting that Tinubu’s support was instrumental to Buhari’s emergence as president, while Buhari, in turn, stood firmly behind Tinubu’s presidential ambition.
“This is something for which we must give President Buhari credit. He stood firmly behind President Tinubu so that he could continue serving Nigeria,” Gowon said.
He also congratulated Shettima on his nomination by Tinubu as his running mate for the 2027 presidential election.
Gowon further recounted a personal experience that, according to him, reflected Buhari’s compassion. He disclosed that about 10 years after leaving office and while living in the United Kingdom, he struggled to pay his children’s school fees.
“I appealed to him, and he ensured that my family received assistance to pay those school fees. That was the kind of person he was. He cared for people,” Gowon said.
He added that Buhari governed as a leader for all Nigerians, contrary to the perception held by some that he favoured only the North.
Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, who served as Governor of Kebbi State and Chairman of the Progressives Governors’ Forum during Buhari’s administration, described the late president as a committed patriot who devoted himself to his family and the unity of Nigeria.
“Buhari had prayed that his brother, Tinubu, would succeed him, and Allah granted his wish,” Bagudu said.
In his welcome address, Chairman of the Central Organising Committee and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, said the gathering was not only to remember Buhari’s passing but also to celebrate a lifetime of service and national sacrifice.
Mustapha announced that the Buhari family was establishing the Muhammadu Buhari Foundation and Centre, alongside a series of publications and other legacy projects aimed at preserving and documenting the late president’s life, leadership and contributions to Nigeria.
