Buhari’s integrity, service will continue to inspire Nigerians — Tinubu
By Taiwo Scholarstica
President Bola Tinubu has stated that the legacy of integrity, discipline, and selfless service left by the late former President Muhammadu Buhari will continue to inspire generations of Nigerians.
Tinubu made the remark on Monday in Abuja during the first anniversary memorial held in honour of the late former president.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, the President described Buhari as a patriotic leader who dedicated his life to the progress and unity of Nigeria.
He noted that Buhari continued to command the respect of Nigerians even after leaving office and urged citizens to uphold the values of honesty, discipline, and service that defined his life.
He stated, “We are gathered here today, one year after the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, because the life he lived is not a life this nation is capable of forgetting. He has entered the consciousness of Nigeria, and it is in the nature of such men that their memory outlives the living.”
“So we assemble not out of obligation, but out of the necessity of reflection, to consider again what President Buhari meant to us as a friend, as a leader, as a father, as a husband, and as a citizen of this great country.”
“President Buhari and I were co-travellers on the long road of politics and national development. We worked together through seasons of difficulty and seasons of hope. We shared a deep and abiding passion for a renewed, progressive, and prosperous Nigeria a nation held together by brotherhood, settled in peace, and generous in abundance so that no citizen is left outside the circle of its promise.”
“He gave everything he had to this country, and he gave it without reservation. He served with courage. He served with conviction and with a patriotism that never asked what the nation could return to him. From his years as a military leader to his transformation into a democrat and a determined defender of constitutional order, he embodied the very spirit of change and nation-building,” he said.
Tinubu described Buhari as one of the few Nigerians privileged to lead the country both as a military ruler and a democratically elected president.
According to him, the late leader’s enduring popularity was rooted in his integrity, character, and commitment to public service rather than personal acclaim.
He also extended condolences to Buhari’s family, assuring them of the Federal Government’s continued support and prayers.
He continued, “To the immediate family, to our dear Mrs Aisha Buhari, and to the younger Buharis, I know that you have passed through a season of profound grief. Please be assured that the nation and this administration stand with you now and in all the years to come. We will continue to hold you up in our prayers, trusting that Almighty Allah will comfort you, sustain you, and shield you from all harm.”
“Our duty, as his friends, as his mentees, and as his associates, is to carry forward the inheritance he left us: honesty, simplicity, and self-discipline.”
Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, recalled his long-standing relationship with Buhari, describing him as a gallant soldier who remained committed to Nigeria’s unity throughout his career.
Gowon said Buhari’s political breakthrough came after forging an alliance with President Tinubu, which paved the way for his victory in the 2015 presidential election.
He stated, “My relationship with General Buhari goes back many years. We served together as soldiers, and all of us did our best to keep this country united. I knew him as a gallant soldier and as a man who earned respect.”
“Later, after our retirement from the military, General Buhari decided to go into politics. He did his best to seek political leadership that would support his ambition to become President. He contested several times but was unsuccessful.”
“However, when he joined hands with Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, they formed a strong political alliance. The support he received from Asiwaju Tinubu certainly helped him to emerge as President. Their partnership remained strong throughout his administration,” he said.
Gowon added that Buhari later supported Tinubu’s emergence as president, describing it as a gesture of appreciation for the support he received during his own political journey.
He continued, “This is something for which we must give President Buhari credit. He stood firmly behind President Tinubu so that he could continue serving Nigeria and do his best for the country, just as Buhari himself sought to do.”
“I would like to say that President Buhari did his best for Nigeria. His sense of integrity and fairness knew no bounds. There is one more event that I will always remember. During the 2015 presidential election, I was attending an African Union meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. At that time, there was great concern among delegates about what might happen in Nigeria after the election. Many feared there could be a crisis.”
“When I returned to Nigeria as the election results were being announced, that fear was still widespread. Then President Goodluck Jonathan accepted the election results even before the final announcement was completed. I was delighted.”
“Straight from the airport, I went to see President Jonathan to thank him personally for his patriotic action. From there, I went to congratulate General Buhari. He graciously accepted President Jonathan’s concession and expressed appreciation for Jonathan’s decision, which helped Nigeria avoid an election crisis. General Buhari was always a leader who placed the interests of Nigeria above personal or regional interests,” he said.
Katsina State Governor Dikko Umar Radda, represented by Deputy Governor Faruk Lawal Jobe, said Buhari’s legacy extended beyond politics, citing his contributions to infrastructure, agriculture, security, and social development.
He urged Nigerians to embrace accountability, honesty, and national unity while pledging that Katsina State would continue to pursue people-centred policies that reflect Buhari’s ideals.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Central Planning Committee and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, said the memorial offered Nigerians an opportunity to reflect on Buhari’s decades of service to the nation.
Mustapha noted that Buhari’s death generated an outpouring of grief across Nigeria and beyond, while his funeral in Daura attracted leaders, dignitaries, and ordinary citizens from different backgrounds, reflecting the respect he commanded.
He stated, “Today is not merely about recalling the passing of a former President. It is an occasion to reflect on a life of service and to preserve for future generations the memory of a man who devoted much of his adult life to the service of Nigeria. His passing came as a profound shock to the nation and elicited an extraordinary outpouring of grief across Nigeria, Africa, and many parts of the world.”
“The depth of that affection and respect is reflected in the Book of Tributes and Condolences that we shall formally present during this memorial event. His funeral in Daura brought together his successor, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR; former Presidents and Heads of State; delegations from friendly nations and international organisations; elected public officials; traditional rulers; religious leaders; and representatives of diverse groups and communities from across Nigeria.”
“It also drew an overwhelming number of ordinary Nigerians, young and old, men and women, including many of the poor and vulnerable whose welfare always occupied a special place in his heart.”
“The breadth and diversity of that gathering, much like the distinguished assembly here today, speak eloquently to the place President Muhammadu Buhari occupies in our national history. People of different political persuasions, faiths, generations, and backgrounds have come together in respect for a life that left an indelible mark on our country.”
“For those of us who were privileged to work closely with him, today’s remembrance is not only a national occasion. It is also deeply personal. We remember a leader whose convictions shaped the decisions he took, whose sense of duty remained unwavering, and whose commitment to the Nigerian state defined his years in public service. Your presence here today is a powerful tribute to his memory.”
Speaking on behalf of the Buhari family, Safina Buhari thanked Nigerians and other guests for honouring her father at the memorial, saying the gathering reflected the values he stood for throughout his life.
She said Buhari’s life was defined by faith, integrity, discipline, humility, patriotism, and commitment to national service, stressing that leadership should be judged by its impact rather than the number of years spent in office.
Safina also disclosed that proceeds from the book, From Soldier to Statesman: The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari, had been donated to Al-Qalam University, Katsina, to build a Computer Science Complex in line with the late president’s commitment to education and human development.
She said the project, inaugurated on July 5, would feature lecture halls, computer laboratories, offices, and other academic facilities.
The memorial was attended by former First Lady Aisha Buhari, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, former Chief of Staff to the President Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, former Minister of Interior Rauf Aregbesola, former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika, Minister of Budget and National Planning Atiku Bagudu, former Information Minister Lai Mohammed, and several other dignitaries.