President Bola Tinubu has declared a week-long national mourning and summoned an emergency Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting to honour the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, who died in a UK hospital on Sunday. Tinubu made this known in a personally signed tribute on Sunday evening, confirming that Buhari would be granted full state honours. As a sign of national grief, he ordered that all flags fly at half-staff across Nigeria for seven days starting immediately.
In his heartfelt tribute, President Tinubu described Buhari as a dedicated patriot and statesman who served Nigeria with unwavering commitment. Recalling Buhari’s leadership both as a military ruler from 1984 to 1985 and a democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023, Tinubu noted that Buhari’s entire life was defined by duty, honour, and devotion to the unity and progress of Nigeria.
Tinubu commended Buhari for confronting corruption boldly and instilling discipline in the public sector. He highlighted Buhari’s integrity, strength during turbulent times, and his unwavering belief in the country’s potential. According to Tinubu, Buhari always placed the national interest above personal gain and led by example through discipline and patriotism.
The President extended his condolences to Buhari’s widow, Aisha Buhari, their children, and the broader Buhari family. He also expressed sympathy to the government and people of Katsina State, especially the Daura Emirate, Buhari’s hometown, where preparations for his burial are underway. Tinubu confirmed he has been in direct contact with Aisha Buhari since the announcement of her husband’s passing.
Tinubu assured the nation that the Federal Government would organise a befitting funeral to reflect the former President’s immense contributions to Nigeria. He ended his message with prayers for Buhari’s soul, asking Allah to forgive his shortcomings and grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus. The President urged Nigerians to let Buhari’s life continue to inspire service marked by courage, conviction, and selflessness.
