Eminent Nigerians on Monday paid glowing tribute to late former President Muhammadu Buhari, on the occasion of his one-year remembrance held in Abuja.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was Special Guest of Honour, described his late predecessor as a leader Nigerians are not capable of forgetting because of his years of service to the nation.
Tinubu, who recalled the uncertain days of the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its progression from the main opposition party to the ruling party, told the gathering that he and the late president were “co-travellers on the long road of politics and national development.”
“We worked together through seasons of difficulty and seasons of hope. We shared a deep and abiding passion for a renewed, progressive, and prosperous Nigeria—a nation held together by brotherhood, settled in peace, and generous in abundance so that no citizen is left outside the circle of its promise.
“He gave everything he had to this country, and he gave it without reservation. He served with courage. He served with conviction and with a patriotism that never asked what the nation could return to him.
“From his years as a military leader to his transformation into a democrat and a determined defender of constitutional order, he embodied the very spirit of change and nation-building.”
Tinubu, represented by his deputy, Vice-President Kashim Shettima, declared that the best way to honour the late Buhari is to “carry forward the inheritance he left us: honesty, simplicity, and self-discipline.”
He further maintained that every ardent supporter, friend and family member of the former president must continue to strive, in their individual conduct, “to approach the standard he kept. That is the only tribute worthy of him, and it is one he would have asked for.”
Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, faulted the narrative that the former president only favoured the North during his eight-year stewardship.
Gowon maintained that Buhari did his best for Nigeria and ensured that every section of the country was fairly treated.
He said: “I would like to say that President Buhari did his best for Nigeria. His sense of integrity and fairness knew no bounds…
“He cared for people. During his time in office, he worked for all Nigerians, not just for the North. Some people believed he governed only for the North, but that was not the case. He ensured that every state and every part of the country was treated fairly and equally. That remains to his credit.
“I want to thank all of you for coming to this first anniversary in remembrance of President Muhammadu Buhari and for honouring his years of dedicated service and sacrifice to Nigeria.”
Reminiscing on the APC presidential convention in 2022, where the incumbent, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, emerged as the party’s presidential candidate, General Gowon recalled that it was merely a pay-back period for Tinubu, as the late Buhari gave support to his successor, who had stood by him to secure the APC ticket in 2014.
He said: “As President Buhari prepared to leave office, he gave his full support to Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to succeed him as President. I remember clearly how committed President Buhari was to ensuring that Tinubu received the same support that Tinubu had given him during his own presidential journey.
“This is something for which we must give President Buhari credit. He stood firmly behind President Tinubu so that he could continue serving Nigeria and do his best for the country, just as Buhari himself sought to do.”
Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Chairman, Central Planning Committee of the occasion, Boss Mustapha, described the event as “an occasion to reflect on a life of service and to preserve for future generations the memory of a man who devoted much of his adult life to the service of Nigeria.
“His passing came as a profound shock to the nation and elicited an extraordinary outpouring of grief across Nigeria, Africa, and many parts of the world…
“We remember a leader whose convictions shaped the decisions he took, whose sense of duty remained unwavering, and whose commitment to the Nigerian state defined his years in public service.”
In attendance were the late president’s wife, Aisha Buhari, and serving governors of Lagos, Ogun, Borno and Kwara states.
Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, was represented by his deputy, Malam Faruk Lawal Jobe.
Traditional rulers who graced the occasion included the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi; the Emir of Katsina, His Royal Highness Alhaji Abdulmumini Kabir Usman; and the Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, among other dignitaries.
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