President Bola Tinubu has described the late former President Muhammadu Buhari as a patriot and statesman who stood firm in turbulent times, following his death on Sunday, July 13, 2025, in a hospital in the United Kingdom.
In a personally written tribute, President Tinubu expressed deep sorrow over Buhari’s passing and announced that the Federal Government would accord him full state honours in recognition of his service to Nigeria. An emergency Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting has been summoned for Tuesday, July 15, to honour the late leader.
“It is with profound sorrow and a heavy heart that I received the news of the passing of His Excellency, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (Rtd), GCFR, my predecessor, who departed this life today, Sunday, July 13, 2025, at a hospital in the United Kingdom,” Tinubu wrote.
“President Buhari was to the very core, a patriot, a soldier, a statesman. His legacy of service and sacrifice endures. He served Nigeria with unwavering dedication, first as a military leader from January 1984 to August 1985, and later as a democratically elected President from 2015 to 2023. Duty, honour, and a deep commitment to the unity and progress of our nation defined his life.
“He stood firm through the most turbulent times, leading with quiet strength, profound integrity, and an unshakable belief in Nigeria’s potential. He championed discipline in public service, confronted corruption head-on, and placed the country above personal interest at every turn.”
President Tinubu extended condolences to the late president’s wife, Aisha Buhari, with whom he said he has been in constant touch, as well as to Buhari’s children, the entire Buhari family, and the people of Katsina State and Daura Emirate.
“In this moment of national mourning, I extend my deepest condolences to his beloved wife, Aisha, with whom I have been in constant touch, his children, the entire Buhari family, and all who knew and loved him,” he said. “I also extend my condolences to the government and people of Katsina State, most especially the people and traditional leaders of Daura Emirate.
“We honour his service. We reflect on his legacy. And we pray for the peaceful repose of his soul.
“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. I have also summoned an emergency Federal Executive Council session on Tuesday, dedicated to his honour.
“The Federal Government will accord President Buhari full state honours befitting his towering contributions to our country. May Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus.”
President Tinubu also expressed hope that Buhari’s life would continue to inspire Nigerians to serve with courage, conviction, and selflessness.
