President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the death of his predecessor, former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as “a patriot, a soldier, and a statesman to the very core.”
Buhari died on Sunday at a hospital in London after a protracted but undisclosed illness. He was 82.
In a personally signed tribute, President Tinubu lauded Buhari’s legacy of service and integrity, recalling his tenure both as military Head of State from January 1984 to August 1985 and as a two-term civilian president from 2015 to 2023.
“Duty, honour, and a deep commitment to the unity and progress of our nation defined his life,” Tinubu wrote. “He championed discipline in public service, confronted corruption head-on, and placed the country above personal interest at every turn.”
Tinubu extended condolences to Buhari’s widow, Aisha, their children, the Buhari family, the people of Katsina State, and the Daura Emirate. He said he had maintained contact with the late president’s wife and family during the final moments.
To honour Buhari’s legacy, Tinubu ordered that all national flags across the country be flown at half-mast for seven days starting Sunday. He also summoned an emergency Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting scheduled for Tuesday, which will be dedicated to honouring the late president.
The president further announced that the Federal Government will accord Buhari full state honours “befitting his towering contributions to our country.”
“May Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus,” Tinubu said. “And may his life continue to inspire generations of Nigerians to serve with courage, conviction, and selflessness.”
