Tinubu Mourns Buhari: “Nigeria Has Lost a Patriot, Soldier, and Statesman”

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the death of his predecessor, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (Rtd), GCFR, describing him as a symbol of selfless service, unwavering discipline, and national unity.

In an official statement issued on Sunday, President Tinubu said he received the news of Buhari’s passing “with profound sorrow and a heavy heart.” The former President died earlier today, July 13, 2025, at a hospital in the United Kingdom, following a prolonged illness.

“President Buhari was to the very core, a patriot, a soldier, a statesman. His legacy of service and sacrifice endures,” Tinubu said.

He recalled Buhari’s decades of public service, highlighting his leadership as Nigeria’s military Head of State from January 1984 to August 1985 and later as a two-term democratically elected President from 2015 to 2023.

“Duty, honour, and a deep commitment to the unity and progress of our nation defined his life,” Tinubu stated. “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 heartfelt condolences to the late President’s widow, Aisha Buhari, with whom he said he had been in constant contact, as well as to Buhari’s children, extended family, and all Nigerians mourning the loss.

He also conveyed condolences to the government and people of Katsina State, particularly the Daura Emirate, where Buhari hailed from.

As part of national mourning, Tinubu ordered that all national flags be flown at half-staff for seven days starting Sunday. He also announced that an emergency Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting would be held on Tuesday in Buhari’s honour.

“The Federal Government will accord President Buhari full state honours befitting his towering contributions to our country,” he said.

“May Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus. And may his life continue to inspire generations of Nigerians to serve with courage, conviction, and selflessness,” the President concluded.