President Bola Tinubu has said the legacy of former President Muhammadu Buhari, built on integrity, discipline and selfless service, will continue to inspire Nigerians for many years.
The President, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at Buhari’s first anniversary memorial in Abuja on Monday, described the late leader as a patriot who dedicated his life to the country’s development.
Tinubu said Buhari remained respected by many Nigerians even after leaving office and urged citizens to uphold the values he stood for.
He said, “We are gathered here today, one year after the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, because the life he lived is not a life this nation is capable of forgetting.”
Reflecting on their political journey together, Tinubu said they shared a common vision of building a peaceful, united and prosperous Nigeria.
He added that Buhari gave everything he had to the country, and he gave it without reservation, praising his courage, patriotism and commitment to constitutional democracy.
According to Tinubu, Buhari was among the few Nigerians who served the country both as a military leader and as a democratically elected President. He said the late leader’s legacy was built on integrity, character and public service rather than personal praise.
The President also expressed sympathy to Buhari’s family, assuring them that the government would continue to stand by them.
He said, “Our duty, as his friends, as his mentees, and as his associates, is to carry forward the inheritance he left us: honesty, simplicity, and self-discipline.”
Former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, also paid tribute to Buhari, recalling that they served together in the military and describing him as a brave soldier committed to Nigeria’s unity.
Gowon said Buhari’s political fortunes changed after forming an alliance with Tinubu, which helped him win the 2015 presidential election.
