Dare Babalola
President Bola Tinubu on Thursday hailed the achievements of his predecessor, late Muhammadu Buhari.
Tinubu, at the Federal Executive Council (FEC) held a special session in honour of the former military head of state and two-term democratically elected president, described his predecessor as an honourable man.
The event which was held at the Presidential Villa was presided over by President Tinubu.
Lauding the deceased Nigerian leader, the president noted that Buhari was respectful, tender and loyal to his peers and those who served under him, adding that even in death, he maintained the serenity that defined him in life by quietly submitting to the will of God.
He acknowledged the record of the past president, noting that his life was honorable and his patriotism was lived more in action than in words.
Tinubu said, “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. Yet, with all that he had achieved, his most enduring legacy would be carved 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.”
Tinubu said the political connection between him, the late former president and other stakeholders from different regions and tongues gave birth to the “first true
democratic transfer of power from one ruling party to another”.
In addition, the president said the authority that comes with the presidency did not corrupt Buhari, stressing that he retired to his hometown, Daura in Katsina after his tenure as president without attempting to command from the shadows.
“President Buhari was not a perfect man – no leader is – but he
was, in every sense of the word, a good man, a decent man, an
honourable man. His record will be debated, as all legacies are,
but the character he brought to public life, the moral force he
carried, the incorruptible standard he represented, will not be forgotten. His was a life lived in full service to Nigeria, and in
fidelity to God,” Tinubu said.
He further thanked the Inter-Ministerial Committee, led by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and
Governor Dikko Radda, for organising a befitting State Funeral
within 48 hours of their appointment.
The president also condoled with the former First Lady, Aisha Buhari, her children, and the entire Buhari family for providing the late Nigerian leader with the comfort and strength to serve the country.
