President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday led a special session of the Federal Executive Council to pay tribute to Nigeria’s former President, Muhammadu Buhari, who died on July 13, 2025, at the age of 82. The emotional session was held just two days after Buhari’s burial in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State.
The meeting, which began at 5:27 p.m., was held inside the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa and marked the first commemorative FEC session since Tinubu assumed office in 2023. The late president’s son, Yusuf Buhari, alongside three of his siblings, arrived the venue at about 5:15 p.m., just minutes before Tinubu walked in to begin proceedings.
The special tribute session brought together an expanded gathering of Nigeria’s top political and judicial leaders. Among those present were the leadership of the National Assembly, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, as well as Chief Justice of Nigeria Kudirat Kekere Ekun. Also in attendance were several ministers, state governors, and members of the Buhari family.
The session followed a clearly structured order of tributes, with top government officials taking turns to eulogise the former president. Among those who paid glowing tributes were Kwara State Governor and Nigerian Governors Forum Chair AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo, Budget Minister Atiku Bagudu, Coordinating Health Minister Muhammad Ali Pate, Solid Minerals Minister Dele Alake, Women Affairs Minister Imaan Sulaiman Ibrahim, and Works Minister David Umahi. The late president’s son, Yusuf, delivered the final tribute on behalf of the family.
President Tinubu had originally planned the session for Tuesday, July 15, but postponed it to allow top government officials to attend Buhari’s funeral rites in Daura. Buhari’s remains had arrived Nigeria from London, where he passed away following a prolonged illness, and were laid to rest on Monday in accordance with Islamic rites.
In honour of the late statesman, Tinubu ordered national flags to be flown at half mast across the country and directed that full state honours be accorded to him. The president, in his earlier condolence message, described Buhari as a patriot, soldier and statesman whose life was shaped by discipline, honour, and a deep love for Nigeria.
The special FEC session served not only as a tribute to Buhari’s leadership but also as a moment of national reflection on his legacy, courage, and the role he played in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
