President Bola Tinubu has marked the first-year anniversary of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s death by calling on Nigerian leaders to embrace the values of honesty, simplicity, and self-discipline that defined Buhari’s public life.
Speaking at a prayer session in Abuja on Monday, Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, described Buhari as a patriot whose shift from military ruler to civilian democrat set him apart in Nigeria’s history.
According to a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, the President said Buhari’s legacy stemmed from a consistent alignment between his principles and his conduct throughout his career.
Tinubu recalled their long political partnership, saying Buhari embodied the spirit of change and nation-building across his years in power.
He noted that Buhari retained the goodwill of ordinary Nigerians even after leaving office, describing that lasting trust as something earned only through a lifetime of agreement between what a man says and what a man is.
The President urged Buhari’s allies and followers to honour his memory by reflecting his values in their own conduct, and offered continued government support to former First Lady, Aisha Buhari and the Buhari Family.
Other dignitaries at the event included former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, and a representative of Katsina State Governor.
Mustapha announced that Buhari’s family and associates plan to establish a foundation in his honour.
Religious leaders including Cardinal John Onaiyekan, Imam of the National Mosque, Sheikh Abdulkadir Al-Salman Sholagberu, offered a special prayer for the continued repose of his soul, and the event closed with the presentation of a book of tributes by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
