Senate President Godswill Akpabio has paid glowing tribute to the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, hailing him as a patriotic leader who served Nigeria faithfully without looting the nation’s treasury.
Akpabio made the remarks on Thursday during a special, expanded session of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) held in Abuja in honour of the late Nigerian leader, who died on Sunday at the age of 82.
Addressing a room filled with current and former government officials, Akpabio described Buhari as a disciplined and selfless servant of the nation whose integrity remained intact throughout his years in office.
“Let us be honest, he was tough. He was a soldier who did not flinch under fire, a leader who did not flee from responsibility, and above all, a Nigerian whose loyalty to this nation was never up for sale,” Akpabio said.
He added, “Even his fiercest critics will admit that he did not pilfer the nation’s purse, nor pander to its pleasures to the very end.”
Tributes from across the aisle
The special FEC session was attended by members of the National Assembly leadership, state governors, serving ministers, and Buhari’s family including his son, Yusuf Buhari, who led the delegation.
The Senate President, who once served as Governor of Akwa Ibom State, recalled Buhari’s personal sacrifices and firm leadership style. He said the late president’s belief in discipline, integrity, and service remained central to his legacy.
“President Buhari did not merely pass through the corridors of power; he left his boots and imprints in them,” Akpabio stated. “He believed that discipline mattered, that integrity mattered, that leadership, even when lonely, must be anchored on something greater than power.”
Akpabio also contrasted Buhari’s quiet sense of duty with the allure of political fame, stating, “He sought duty when others sought glory.”
A Life of Service
Muhammadu Buhari served Nigeria first as military Head of State from 1983 to 1985, and later as a democratically elected President from 2015 to 2023. His time in office was marked by both praise and criticism, but many agree on his personal integrity and austere lifestyle.
He passed away on 14 July at a clinic in London and was laid to rest on Tuesday in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, in accordance with Islamic rites.
As the nation continues to mourn, tributes such as Akpabio’s reflect the late president’s enduring influence on Nigerian politics and his unique position as a figure both revered and debated.
