Mai Gaskiya, The People’s General – Tinubu’s Touching Tribute To Buhari At Today’s Special FEC

In an emotionally special session of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) held today at the State House, Abuja, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu delivered a heartfelt tribute to the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away earlier this week.

Addressing a solemn gathering of cabinet members, senior aides and dignitaries, President Tinubu honoured the man he described as “first among soldiers in war, first among citizens in peace,” hailing Buhari’s unyielding principles, his austere honour, and his unwavering commitment to Nigeria across more than five decades of public service.

“Today, we gather under a heavy shadow,” the President began, his voice echoing through the Council Chambers. “President Muhammadu Buhari, former Head of State and former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, has gone to rest.”

Tinubu painted a vivid portrait of a man who embodied simplicity, discipline, and moral fortitude — both in public life and in private conduct. “His was a quiet courage,” Tinubu said. “A righteousness that never announced itself. His patriotism was lived more in action than in words.”

Recalling Buhari’s steadfast character, Tinubu said the late president stood “ramrod straight, unmoved by the temptation of power, unseduced by applause, and unafraid of the loneliness that often visits those who do what is right rather than what is popular.”

The President recounted Buhari’s journey from a young soldier who fought to keep Nigeria united, to his governance of the North-Eastern State, and later his stewardship of the Petroleum Trust Fund. Yet, Tinubu noted that Buhari’s most enduring legacy was cemented in democracy.

“In a time when many had lost hope that change was possible, Muhammadu Buhari put his faith in the people of this country,” Tinubu said. He recalled their political alliance, the birth of the APC, and Buhari’s historic 2015 election as the first opposition candidate to defeat an incumbent president in Nigeria.

“Together,” Tinubu said, “we formed an alliance that enabled Nigeria to experience its first true democratic transfer of power from one ruling party to another.”

According to the President, even power did not alter Buhari’s character. “Those who knew him most intimately understood that the authority of that exalted office never changed him,” he said. “In the face of pressure, he remained calm. In the face of crisis, he remained resolute. In the face of triumph, he remained modest.”

Tinubu paid tribute to Buhari’s humility after office, noting that he retired to Daura without attempting to control affairs from the shadows. “He lived as he always had — content to let others carry the nation forward.”

Describing him as “Mai Gaskiya, the People’s General, the Farmer President,” Tinubu declared that Buhari’s legacy of service, sacrifice and incorruptibility would long outlive him. “President Buhari was not a perfect man – no leader is – but he was, in every sense of the word, a good man, a decent man, an honourable man.”

President Tinubu also expressed gratitude to the Buhari family for the support they gave their patriarch throughout his service to the nation. He specifically thanked Hajia Aisha Buhari and the children, as well as the Inter-Ministerial Committee led by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda for organising a befitting state funeral within 48 hours.

Reflecting on Buhari’s burial in Daura on Tuesday, July 15, Tinubu described the ceremony as “a dignified manner befitting a great and noble leader.”

“May Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him Aljannah Firdaus,” Tinubu prayed. “May his life continue to inspire generations of Nigerians to serve with courage, conviction, and selflessness.”

“President Buhari, thank you. Nigeria will remember you.”

Buhari, who died earlier this week, was Nigeria’s military Head of State from 1983 to 1985, and democratically elected President from 2015 to 2023. His passing marks the end of a significant era in Nigeria’s political and military history.