Tinubu, Gowon, Governors Celebrate Buhari’s Legacy, Recall His Sacrifices for Nigeria at First Memorial

By Pan Afric Reporters

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon, state governors and other prominent Nigerians on Monday paid glowing tributes to former President Muhammadu Buhari at a memorial held in Abuja to mark the first anniversary of his passing, describing him as a selfless patriot whose commitment to national unity, integrity and public service left an enduring legacy.

Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, President Tinubu said Buhari dedicated his entire life to the service of Nigeria without seeking personal gain, stressing that his contributions to nation-building would remain unforgettable.

According to the President, Buhari’s life transcended politics and had become an enduring chapter in Nigeria’s history.

“He served with courage, conviction and a patriotism that never asked what the nation could return to him. He gave everything he had to this country,” Tinubu said.

In an emotional personal reflection, Shettima revealed that Tinubu had directed him to travel to London immediately Buhari fell ill, instructing him to ensure the former president lacked nothing during his medical treatment.

The Vice President recounted how he later accompanied Buhari’s remains back to Nigeria on behalf of President Tinubu, describing the assignment as one of the greatest honours of his public life.

Reflecting on loyalty and friendship, Shettima remarked, “When you are in power, your friends know you. When you are out of power, you know your friends.”

Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, praised the enduring political relationship between Buhari and Tinubu, noting that both leaders played decisive roles in each other’s political journeys.

According to Gowon, Tinubu’s support was instrumental in Buhari’s emergence as president, while Buhari, in return, stood firmly behind Tinubu’s presidential ambition.

He commended Buhari for ensuring continuity in governance by supporting Tinubu’s succession and congratulated Shettima on his nomination as Tinubu’s running mate for the 2027 presidential election.

Gowon also shared a personal story that highlighted Buhari’s generosity, recalling how the late president came to his family’s aid many years after he had left office by helping him settle his children’s school fees while he was residing in the United Kingdom.

“That was the kind of person he was. He cared for people,” Gowon said, adding that Buhari governed as a leader for all Nigerians irrespective of region.

Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, described Buhari as a leader who devoted himself to both family and country while remaining steadfast in preserving Nigeria’s unity.

Bagudu said Buhari had prayed for Tinubu to succeed him as president, adding that “Allah granted his wish.”

Chairman of the Central Organising Committee and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, said the remembrance was more than an anniversary of Buhari’s passing, describing it as an opportunity to reflect on a lifetime of dedicated service.

He announced plans by the Buhari family to establish the Muhammadu Buhari Foundation and Centre, alongside publications and other initiatives aimed at preserving the late president’s ideals and contributions to national development.

Representing Katsina State Governor Dikko Umar Radda, Deputy Governor Faruk Lawal Jobe described Buhari as one of the rare Nigerian leaders whose personal integrity became synonymous with public service.

He said Buhari’s administration pursued significant reforms in infrastructure, agriculture, security, anti-corruption and social investment programmes.

Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum also paid tribute to the former president, recalling Buhari’s repeated visits to the insurgency-ravaged state despite serious security concerns.

According to Zulum, Buhari never treated Borno’s challenges as distant national problems but remained personally committed to restoring peace and stability in the North-East.

The memorial attracted an array of dignitaries, including former First Lady Aisha Buhari, the Ooni of Ife, the Emirs of Kazaure and Dutse, former Senate President Ahmad Lawan, former Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong, former Minister of Defence Badaru Abubakar, governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Dapo Abiodun, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Umar Namadi and Bala Mohammed, as well as several deputy governors and other senior government officials.

A planned video tribute by former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo could not be presented after repeated technical difficulties during the event.