* Describes him as a patriot, soldier and statesman whose legacy of service and sacrifice endures

* Says he confronted corruption head-on, and always placed nation above personal interest

* Deceased to be accorded full state honours befitting his status

* President summons emergency FEC meeting for Tuesday in his honour

Deji Elumoye in Abuja 

President Bola Tinubu has paid glowing tribute to his late predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari, who died in a London hospital at 82.

In a statement signed on Sunday evening, the president described Ex-President Buhari as a patriot, soldier and statesman whose legacy of service and sacrifice endures.

According to him, the deceased leader confronted corruption head-on whole in office and was always placing the Nigerian nation above personal interest.

President Tinubu also disclosed that his predecessor will be accorded full state honours befitting his public status while an emergency Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting has been summoned for Tuesday in honour of the deceased leader.

The president in the release stated, inter alia:

“It is with profound sorrow and a heavy heart that I received the news of the passing of His Excellency, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (Rtd), GCFR, my predecessor, who departed this life today, Sunday, July 13, 2025, at a hospital in the United Kingdom.

“President Buhari was to the very core, a patriot, a soldier, a statesman. His legacy of service and sacrifice endures. He served Nigeria with unwavering dedication, first as a military leader from January 1984 to August 1985, and later as a democratically elected President from 2015 to 2023. Duty, honour, and a deep commitment to the unity and progress of our nation defined his life.

“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.

“In this moment of national mourning, I extend my deepest condolences to his beloved wife, Aisha, with whom I have been in constant touch, his children, the entire Buhari family, and all who knew and loved him.

“I also extend my condolences to the government and people of Katsina State, most especially the people and traditional leaders of Daura Emirate.

“We honour his service. We reflect on his legacy. And we pray for the peaceful repose of his soul.

“As a mark of respect to our former leader, I have directed that all national flags fly at half-staff across the country for seven days from today.

“I have also summoned an emergency Federal Executive Council session on Tuesday, dedicated to his honour.

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

“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.”

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