Senate Holds Special Session in Honour of Late President Buhari 

The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday held a solemn special plenary session in honour of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who died on July 13, 2025. 

In a show of respect and national unity, the lawmakers paid tribute to the late leader’s legacy, observing a minute of silence in his memory. 

The chamber also commended the Federal Government for organizing a befitting state funeral and called on it to immortalize the former president by naming a significant national monument after him.

The motion to honour Buhari is moved by Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), who described the late president as a gallant soldier, steadfast democrat, and dedicated patriot whose life epitomized discipline, integrity, and selfless national service. 

The Senate also reflected on Buhari’s civilian political career, particularly his return as a democratically elected president in 2015 under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and his re-election in 2019. 

Lawmakers noted his efforts in fighting corruption, strengthening infrastructure, and instituting reforms across various sectors. 

Senator Bamidele highlighted Buhari’s numerous local and international honours, including the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR) and several decorations from African and European countries. 

He also cited Buhari’s leadership of the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF) and his focus on infrastructural development.

The Senate expressed deep sorrow over his death after a prolonged illness in a London hospital and praised President Bola  Tinubu for declaring a national mourning period, including the directive for flags to fly at half-mast. 

The Senate itself suspended plenary for one week as a mark of respect.

Throughout the session, lawmakers took turns to offer tributes, recalling personal encounters and reflecting on Buhari’s character and policies. 

Senate President Godswill Akpabio praised Buhari’s compassion, recalling a moment when the former president delayed a cabinet reshuffle to avoid disrupting a minister’s family over the weekend. 

lawmakers agreed that while Buhari’s leadership had its share of controversy, his contributions to Nigeria’s democratic and national development would remain a lasting part of the country’s history. 

The session concluded with a final moment of silence, as senators stood in reverence, affirming that Buhari’s legacy both as a soldier and a statesman would endure for generations to come.