President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has paid high tribute to former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as a disciplined and selfless leader who upheld public trust and never misused public funds.
Speaking at an expanded Federal Executive Council (FEC) session held in Buhari’s honour on Thursday at the State House in Abuja, Akpabio commended the former president’s legacy of integrity and devotion to national service.
“President Buhari’s legacy is not defined by extravagance, but by integrity. His leadership was rooted in service to the nation rather than personal ambition,” Akpabio said.
Akpabio, who previously served as a minister in Buhari’s cabinet, noted that even the former president’s harshest critics acknowledged his honesty and unwavering principles.
“President Buhari believed in discipline. He believed in integrity. He believed that leadership, even when isolating, must be grounded in a higher purpose than power,” he said.
“He never chased popular approval. Instead, he walked with quiet determination, guided by the conscience of the nation.”
Describing Buhari as resilient and patriotic, Akpabio added, “Let’s be honest—he was tough. A soldier who didn’t flinch under fire. A leader who never shied away from responsibility. A Nigerian whose loyalty to the country was never for sale.”
He emphasized that Buhari’s toughness came from a deep love for the country, not personal pride.
“His patriotism was fierce and unwavering. He truly believed that despite its challenges, Nigeria was a nation worth fighting for,” Akpabio said.
The Senate President concluded by saluting Buhari’s lifelong service to the nation, both in military uniform and civilian attire.
“Whether in khaki or agbada, he remained committed to the belief that Nigeria was always worth the sacrifice,” he said.
