The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday held a solemn special plenary session in honour of the late former President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, General Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, who passed away on July 13, 2025.

At the conclusion of the session, the Senate in their resolve ; Observed a minute of silence in memory of the late President Buhari, Commended the Federal Government for the befitting state funeral accorded to him; and Urged the Federal Government to immortalize him by naming a national monument after him.

The motion to honour the late President was sponsored by the Senate Leader, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele (Ekiti Central), who described Buhari as a gallant soldier, accomplished democrat, and patriot whose life symbolized discipline, integrity, and selfless service to the nation.

In his lead debate, Bamidele recounted Buhari’s extensive legacy from his birth on December 17, 1942, in Daura, Katsina State, to his military training ’n Kaduna, India, and the United States.

Buhari rose through the military ranks, serving during the Nigerian Civil War and holding several key national positions, including Military Governor of the old North Eastern State, Federal Commissioner for Petroleum, Chairman of the NNPC, and eventually, Head of State following the 1983 coup.

The Senate noted his disciplined leadership style during his military regime and later his historic democratic journey that saw him become President in 2015 under the All Progressives Congress (APC), and his re-election in 2019.

Senator Bamidele also highlighted Buhari’s numerous national and international awards, including the GCFR and decorations from several African and European countries.

He also pointed out his role in establishing the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF) and championing massive infrastructure investments during his tenures.

The Senate deeply regretted his passing in a London hospital after a protracted illness and commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for declaring a national mourning period and directing flags to fly at half-mast, while the Senate suspended its plenary for a week in his honour.

Senators Pay Tribute

During the session, lawmakers took turns to eulogize the late President.

Senator Danjuma Goje (Gombe Central) remembered Buhari as “a God-fearing leader” whose integrity shaped the values of many, even from his early days as military governor.

Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) noted that while Buhari’s hallmark was integrity, his weakness lay in trusting appointees too much. He said the late President remained deeply connected to the North and was always concerned about the wellbeing of those he barely knew.

Senator Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North) described Buhari as a leader with “a heart of gold” who fought for Nigeria’s unity. He recalled Buhari’s reluctance to fire people, even under pressure, and his humane consideration in governance.

Senate Chief Whip, Mohammed Tahir Monguno (Borno North) recounted Buhari’s incorruptibility and narrated how, even at state functions, the President resisted the culture of offering politicians “brown envelopes.”

Senator Abdul’aziz Yari (Zamfara West) recalled how Buhari initially resisted entering politics, fearing that citizens could suffer post-election violence.

“He was moved into the race by clerics and leaders who persuaded him,” Yari said, noting Buhari’s humility and reliance on his pension.

Former Senate President Ahmad Lawan (Yobe North) praised Buhari’s democratic tolerance. “Even in the 8th Senate where PDP held the Senate Presidency, Buhari never interfered,” Lawan said, describing him as a believer in institutional dialogue.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who presided over the session, highlighted Buhari’s compassion: “Many didn’t know how humane he was. He once delayed a cabinet reshuffle just to avoid upsetting a minister’s family over the weekend,” Akpabio revealed.

Senator Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa West) praised Buhari’s respect for opposition leaders and described him as a decent man, even when they disagreed over policy.

Senator Ali Ndume (Borno South) lamented that “Nigeria lost a leader who gave his all to the nation,” adding, “If we had more Buharis, this country would be far better.”

Senator Sani Musa (Niger East) urged Nigerians to uphold Buhari’s values of discipline and honesty, while Senator Sadiq Umar (Kwara North) emphasized Buhari’s commitment to democratic fairness, recalling his famous declaration: “I belong to everybody and I belong to nobody.”

Senator Osita Izunaso (Imo West), who served as APC National Secretary during Buhari’s emergence in 2015, praised his refusal to allow wealthy individuals purchase his nomination forms. “Even when someone donated N200 million, he questioned how the donor earned such money,” Izunaso said.

Senators Francis Fadahunsi (Osun East), Sani Bello (Niger North), and Muntari Dandutse (Katsina South) also paid tribute to Buhari’s honesty, national service, and public-spiritedness.

The chamber resounded with bipartisan reflections on Buhari’s controversial but impactful leadership, with lawmakers agreeing that his memory would endure for generations.

The session concluded with a final moment of silence as lawmakers stood in reverence for the departed leader, whose military and civilian legacy, they affirmed, remains etched in Nigeria’s democratic journey. (Daily Sun)