An expanded Special Session of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) was held yesterday as part of the mourning activities for former President Muhammadu Buhari, who died on Sunday in a London clinic and was buried on Tuesday in Daura.
The session, held in honour of the late leader and attended by National Assembly leaders, government officials, and members of Buhari’s family, took place at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The meeting followed the Fidau prayer for the former president at his residence in Daura, Katsina State, with Vice President Kashim Shettima leading a federal government delegation that included cabinet ministers.
Leading tributes at the special FEC meeting, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu described the late President Buhari as Mai Gaskiya and “The People’s General.”
The president said that on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, a grateful nation bid farewell to one of its most illustrious sons, as he, alongside Vice President Shettima, led the funeral procession to Daura and witnessed Buhari’s burial in a dignified manner befitting a great and noble leader.
Tinubu said Buhari was a man “whose voice once summoned the best in us, and whose convictions never bowed, even to the strongest winds of public opinion.”
“He was first among soldiers in war, first among citizens in peace, and first, without ambition or flattery, in the hearts of his fellow citizens. Yet it was in the quiet and unadorned settings of his private life that his true greatness was revealed: pious without show, just without cruelty, humane without sentimentality, temperate without coldness, and sincere without guile.
“He was steady in posture and spirit, dignified in bearing, and commanding by his very presence. His example guided all who encountered him. Still, it endures.”
According to the president, “Buhari was respectful and without pretence. To those who served under him, he was kind without condescension. To those he loved most intimately, he was unfailingly tender, loyal, and good. His life was a rebuke to vice and a refuge for virtue.”
Speaking further, Tinubu said, “The purity of his private character gave radiance to the discipline and integrity of his public service. Even in death, he maintained the serenity that defined him in life—not a sigh, not a groan, just quiet submission to the will of God. Such was the man Nigeria has lost. Such is the man our nation now mourns.
“President Buhari’s life was one of austere honour. He stood, always, 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. His was a quiet courage, a righteousness that never announced itself.
“From the battlefield to the corridors of power, he remained faithful to the task. He governed the North-Eastern State and stood as Head of State. Years later, he returned to chair the Petroleum Trust Fund, which he administered with Spartan rigour and complete fidelity to the public good.”
University of Maiduguri renamed after late ex-president
President Tinubu also renamed the University of Maiduguri after the late former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Speaking in the presence of the late leader’s children, Tinubu announced that the 50-year-old University of Maiduguri would henceforth be known as Muhammadu Buhari University, to honour the former president’s legacy and ideals.
President Tinubu said that despite his many achievements, Buhari’s most enduring legacy would be 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. We stood together, he and I. Alongside others drawn from across the political spectrum, regions and tongues, we formed an alliance that enabled Nigeria to experience its first true democratic transfer of power from one ruling party to another.
“When he was sworn in as our party’s first elected president, he led with restraint, governed with dignity, and bore the burdens of leadership without complaint.
“Those who knew him most intimately understood that the authority of that exalted office never changed him. In the face of pressure, he remained calm. In the face of crisis, he remained resolute. In the face of triumph, he remained modest. Most remarkably, he retained his jovial spirit.
“Our gratitude will remain with President Buhari’s family, who provided him the comfort and strength to serve our nation throughout his over 50 years of public service. We honour his service, reflect on his legacy, and pray for the peaceful repose of his soul. Mai Gaskiya, The People’s General, the Farmer President—your duty is done.”
He gave his all to Nigeria – Akpabio
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, speaking on behalf of the National Assembly, said Buhari gave everything he had to Nigeria.
“There are moments in a nation’s life when she must pause—not out of routine, but out of reverence. Today is such a moment.
“President Muhammadu Buhari was not perfect—no leader is. But he was principled. He stood for something. While others chased headlines, he chased honour. Where others sought glory, he sought duty.
“As a minister in his cabinet, I saw him unplugged. Not flamboyant—far from it. His voice was measured, his steps deliberate, his public demeanor austere. But beneath that calm exterior beat the heart of a patriot, unyielding, unbending, and utterly uninterested in personal comfort when duty called.
“He served in uniform and later in flowing agbada. Whether through coups or campaigns, criticisms or crises, he never wavered in his belief in Nigeria’s promise.
“His legacy is marked by monumental achievements—too many, too vast, and too significant for me to enumerate within the time allotted for this tribute.”
Late leader immortalised his name – Shettima
Vice President Kashim Shettima said Buhari’s legacy will endure forever.
“In death, it is not the length of days that matters, but the quality of life.” Shettima noted that Buhari has, by his selfless actions, immortalised his name.
“He was a model—not only for his generation but for generations unborn. His life stands as a compass for those who seek meaning in service, and dignity in leadership. May Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him eternal rest among the righteous.”
Shettima thanked President Tinubu for entrusting him with the honourable duty of accompanying Buhari’s remains from London back home, noting that the repatriation, which typically takes five working days, was completed in 24 hours due to widespread goodwill.
He commended the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, and others for their tireless coordination, and acknowledged the support of the UK government, especially David Lammy and Ms Kate Airey.
“In the wisdom of Imam Al-Ghazali, the joy of this world lies in loving and serving others, while the joy of the next lies in being loved by the Almighty. This captures the essence of President Buhari’s austere lifestyle and public devotion. He lived simply, gave generously of himself, and sought neither applause nor indulgence. In serving the people with restraint and purpose, he sought the favour of God more than the approval of men.
“He chose a path of modesty and restraint, finding fulfillment not in material indulgence, but in duty. His life was anchored in service, sincere, steady, and at times solitary. He loved his people, not by sentiment, but through sacrifice.”
Buhari chose a life of modest means – Abbas
House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas said Buhari chose service over materialism and comfort.
“He was a sentinel of service, a steward of simplicity, and a statesman shaped by sacrifice. His humour and humility softened his disciplined exterior. He lived not for applause or affluence but for principle.”
Abbas recalled Buhari commissioning his constituency project when he was a member of the CPC and said he advised him in 2023 to “lead as a servant, never as a master.”
He said Buhari respected legislative independence, signed landmark youth- and reform-focused laws, and pursued a relentless anti-corruption war.
“His war against corruption was unrelenting. Known to millions as Mai Gaskiya – the honest one, he lived a life free from personal scandal. His simple lifestyle was not symbolic. It was sincere. His integrity set a standard that will long outlive him. Whether as a military officer, a state governor, a federal minister or a democratically elected president, he brought to every office the same disciplined devotion to duty.
“To those who criticised him from afar—did you truly see him? Hear him? Know him? If you did, you would respect and honour him.”
Adeosun, Imaan, Pate, Umahi add their voices
Former Finance Minister Kemi Adeosun wrote on social media: “Good night, Your Excellency. It was the greatest honour to serve Nigeria under your leadership and a pleasure knowing you personally. Rest in Peace Sir, I remain, Maikudi.”
Minister of Women Affairs, Hajia Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, said Buhari would be remembered for the lives he touched, not just what he built. She noted his deep empathy for refugees and IDPs, and praised his signing of the NCFRMI Act of 2022 after 14 years of failed attempts.
She explained that “I am convinced that the former late President Buhari would have wished for no better continuity than this. He would have rejoiced to see the seeds he planted now bearing fruit in the lives of millions. He would have been comforted to know that the displaced families he housed are now being empowered, that the women he championed are not only leading, but are positioned as an economic power of the nation, and that the institutions he fortified are now thriving under your stewardship.”
Health Minister Muhammad Ali Pate described Buhari as authentic and consistent, saying he lived and died an honourable man whose life exemplified integrity, modesty, and disciplined service. Pate said he was a steward of the nation who retired happily to his farm in Daura, much like the Roman general Cincinnatus.
Minister of Works David Umahi recounted how Buhari insisted on renaming the Ebonyi airport after his friend, Dr. Chuba Okadigbo, despite it already being named after himself. Umahi praised him as a supportive and humble leader who never withheld assistance from governors and always acted with discipline and kindness.
He acted on advice – Senator Na’allah
In his tribute titled “A journey with Buhari: Memories from the cockpit”, Senator Bala Ibn Na’allah opened up on how he met the late General Buhari personally sometime in 2004, shortly after the 2003 elections at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Abuja.
The politician said, “He was on his way to Katsina, perhaps after a court session. Although the aircraft scheduled to take him was already on the ground, I observed one of the handlers receiving an instruction not to allow General Buhari to board the aircraft.
“Sensing the gravity of the situation, I decided to stay and watch how things unfolded. Eventually, it became clear that he would not be allowed to use the aircraft.
“I approached him and offered to fly him to Katsina in my own aircraft. He accepted. We flew to Katsina and landed safely. After the flight, he asked how much he was to pay, but I politely declined. I told him that if he gave me the privilege of flying him anywhere within Nigeria, I would be greatly honoured. He accepted with one condition: that he would be responsible for fueling the aircraft. We agreed, and that marked the beginning of my role as something of a personal pilot to him, a role I held until deep into the 2015 campaign period.
“In all the years I flew him, he was late for a flight only once. He apologised sincerely, explaining that one of his friends had arrived late at his house, causing the delay.”
Senator Na’allah said as President, the deceased continued to show him deep trust, respect and gave him “unfettered access” and “graciously” accepted some advice he offered from time to time, acting on many of them.
“My last meeting with him was in London, where I had gone to see him and General Abdulsalami Abubakar. He was with Mamman Daura, and we had an insightful discussion on the challenges of governance in Nigeria. I gently advised him not to be in a hurry to return home. He responded with a smile and a joke: “What if I finish my money?” Senator Mohammed Hassan (Yobe) and I assured him that he had us and many others who would take care of him,” he added.
How Buhari rallied APC governors for Tinubu – Bagudu
The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, in his tribute, revealed a letter sent to the APC Governors Forum by former President Buhari in the aftermath of the APC Presidential Primaries, won by President Tinubu.
In the June 9, 2022 letter, President Buhari rallied the APC governors to ensure Tinubu’s victory, contrary to some notions that Buhari was indifferent to Tinubu’s presidential campaign.
Yusuf Buhari, son of the late leader, thanked President Tinubu and Nigerians for their support and a dignified farewell.
He expressed gratitude for the national solidarity and requested continued prayers for his father’s eternal peace.
Mixed reactions in UNIMAID
Meanwhile, mixed reactions have trailed the renaming of University of Maiduguri to Muhammadu Buhari University by President Tinubu.
Students and lecturers interviewed expressed shock over the announcement as the university community had no prior knowledge of the change of name.
In his reaction, Dr Abubakar Mshelia, the current ASUU chairman of the university, who spoke in his capacity as a lecturer said the leadership of the institution should have been consulted.
“First, I have to condole with his family and the country, but the announcement was shocking and sudden
“Nobody will ever expect that a second-generation University would suddenly be changed without consultation with the stakeholders.
“Even though I have to reserve my comment until I get clearance from our national body, as an individual, it’s actually a shock.
“Moreover, if you look at it now, we have basically two buildings in Maiduguri named after the late president; the Muhammadu Buhari International Airport, and the Muhammadu Senate Building in the UNIMAID, and Aisha Buhari Female Hostel,” he said.
But, the President, Student Union Government (SUG) Yahaya Maigari, saluted President Tinubu for his courage, saying the lifelong contribution of President Buhari to Borno was unwavering.
“During his tenure as military governor, he laid a solid foundation for education in Borno and just recently, he delivered a 10 megawatt solar powered plant here at the University that provides electricity to students on campus, which ended years of blackouts.
“He brought so much development to Borno, like the gas power plant, doing so much to end Boko Haram insurgency, oil drilling and a lot more.
“In fact, Buhari was just from Katsina but everyone knows that his heart is here, and Borno has always been his second home. So, it’s actually a good thing that the University is renamed after him.
Another 500 level student, Aliyu Waziri, of Department of Agric Economics, said the decision was taken at a wrong time when the university is celebrating its 50th anniversary.
He noted that so many structures have been named after the late president in Maiduguri, so there is no need of renaming the university after him.
Another student, Aisha Abubakar of Botany department, said it was a welcome development because he has done so much for Borno students in terms of security and infrastructural development.
DAILY TRUST.
