ABUJA — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has convened an emergency session of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), scheduled for Tuesday, July 15, 2025, to honour the memory of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on Sunday in a London hospital after a prolonged illness.
The announcement was contained in a personally signed tribute by President Tinubu on Sunday evening, following confirmation of the late president’s death. Tinubu expressed deep sorrow over the loss, describing Buhari as “a patriot, a soldier, and a statesman whose legacy of service and sacrifice endures.”
“President Buhari was to the very core, a patriot, a soldier, a statesman. His legacy of service and sacrifice endures,” the President said in the tribute.
National Mourning Declared
As part of national mourning rites, President Tinubu has ordered all national flags to fly at half-mast across the country for seven days, starting Sunday, July 13.
“As a mark of respect to our former leader, I have directed that all national flags fly at half-staff across the country for seven days from today,” Tinubu stated.
He also confirmed that the Federal Government would accord Buhari full state honours, including a funeral befitting his “towering contributions to Nigeria.”
Acknowledging a Legacy
Reflecting on the former leader’s tenure, Tinubu praised Buhari for confronting corruption, prioritizing discipline in public service, and putting Nigeria first.
“He championed discipline in public service, confronted corruption head-on, and placed the country above personal interest at every turn.”
He added that Buhari’s life was shaped by duty, honour, and a commitment to national unity and progress, leading with “quiet strength, profound integrity, and an unshakable belief in Nigeria’s potential.”
Condolences and Final Farewell
President Tinubu extended heartfelt condolences to Aisha Buhari, the widow of the late president, their children, and the broader Buhari family. He also acknowledged the people and traditional rulers of Daura Emirate in Katsina State, Buhari’s hometown.
“In this moment of national mourning, I extend my deepest condolences to his beloved wife, Aisha, his children, the entire Buhari family, and all who knew and loved him.”
The President ended his tribute with a prayer for the peaceful repose of Buhari’s soul:
“May Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus. And may his life continue to inspire generations of Nigerians to serve with courage, conviction, and selflessness.”
Background
Muhammadu Buhari, born December 17, 1942, served as Nigeria’s military Head of State from 1984 to 1985, and later as a civilian president from 2015 to 2023. His leadership was marked by strong anti-corruption stances, infrastructure development, and a focus on agricultural self-reliance.
He is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren.
