President Bola Tinubu, along with several African leaders and prominent Nigerians, gathered in Daura, Katsina State, on Tuesday to bid farewell to former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away at the age of 82.

Among the dignitaries present were President Umaru Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau, Nigerien Prime Minister Ali Lamine Zeine, and former Nigerien President Issoufou Mahamadou. Also in attendance were Vice President Kashim Shettima, former Vice Presidents Atiku Abubakar and Yemi Osinbajo, as well as state governors, former governors, ministers, and notable business figures, including billionaire industrialist Aliko Dangote.

The burial ceremony was marked by solemn military and religious rites. At 5:50 p.m., the former president's remains were laid to rest in accordance with Islamic traditions. Prior to the interment, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Chris Musa, read Buhari’s biography, praising his leadership and service to the nation.

A full complement of military honours, including a 21-gun salute, was rendered. Islamic clerics led the final prayers, while Vice President Shettima and other officials observed the rites in a subdued atmosphere. Security personnel worked tirelessly to manage the overwhelming crowd of mourners gathered to pay their last respects.

The body of the late president had arrived earlier in the day aboard a Nigerian Air Force plane from London. President Tinubu received the casket at Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport in Katsina, where he also inspected a guard of honour. Buhari’s remains were accompanied by his wife, Aisha Buhari, Vice President Shettima, and close family members.

A joint military pallbearing team, made up of senior officers from the army, navy, and air force, carried the Nigerian flag-draped casket in a slow, dignified march while the hymn "God Be With You Till We Meet Again" played. The motorcade then proceeded to Daura for the final rites.

Tributes Pour In for a National Icon

Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Hassan Kukah, described Buhari as a good man who should be remembered beyond his time as president. “We shouldn’t judge him only by his eight years in office, but by his lifelong contributions to Nigeria,” Kukah said.

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Mohammed Sa’ad Abubakar III, described Buhari’s passing as “the end of an era,” praising his patriotism, discipline, and commitment to national unity. He recalled Buhari’s efforts during his time as military head of state, particularly his War Against Indiscipline (WAI) initiative and contributions to Nigeria’s oil industry.

“He was a leader who came, saw, and conquered,” the Sultan said, praying for Allah’s mercy upon his soul.

Personal Tributes from Allies and Family

Buba Galadima, a long-time associate and NNPP chieftain, remembered Buhari as a humble leader who delegated authority generously—sometimes to a fault. “He trusted people too much and didn’t always supervise their actions, which some exploited,” Galadima said. Despite that, he lauded Buhari’s unwavering discipline and commitment to the poor.

One of Buhari’s daughters, Noor, shared a heartfelt message on Instagram: “I’m heartbroken we won’t share the moments I planned for us. I’ll always carry your memory with me. May you rest in eternal peace, Daddy.”

Ali Isa Pantami, former Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, praised Buhari as a symbol of integrity. “I lived and worked closely with him for 25 years. His honesty, patriotism, and discipline were beyond question.”

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, described Buhari’s death as the closing of a critical chapter in Nigeria’s history. “He remained steadfast in his belief in Nigeria—through all its trials. His patriotism was unwavering,” he said.

As the nation mourns the loss of former President Muhammadu Buhari, more tributes have emerged, reflecting on his legacy of discipline, humility, and service.

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, praised Buhari as a leader who shunned extravagance and personal gain, instead choosing to live by values rooted in honour and selfless service.

“He didn’t seek applause or favours,” Mustapha noted. “He believed a nation’s greatness lies in its values, not in noise or power. He stood firm when it was easier to bend.”

He added that Buhari’s quiet, principled leadership style served as a powerful example that integrity and commitment could still define public office.

“To love Nigeria,” Mustapha said, “is more than a slogan—it is a lifelong commitment to integrity, sacrifice, and faith in our collective future.”

Buhari Was a Soldier of Discipline – Afe Babalola

Renowned legal luminary and founder of Afe Babalola University, Aare Afe Babalola, described the late president as a "soldier of spartan discipline" whose dedication to the rule of law was unmatched.

Reflecting on Buhari’s conduct during the 2003 presidential election tribunal—where Babalola represented former President Olusegun Obasanjo—he recalled Buhari's respect for the judiciary and civility, even under legal pressure.

“He was always the first to arrive in court and the last to leave, showing sincere belief in due process,” Babalola noted. “He never treated legal opposition as enemies. His actions were a profound display of dignity and accountability.”

Babalola said Nigeria had lost a rare patriot, a nationalist devoted to justice, unity, and moral leadership.

A Legacy of Integrity – Chief Ayiri Emami

APC chieftain Chief Ayiri Emami hailed Buhari as a statesman who consistently upheld the rule of law and democratic values.

In a statement, Emami recounted Buhari's infrastructure achievements as petroleum minister and later as civilian president, including the construction of 21 fuel depots, oil pipeline networks, and major projects like the Warri–Itakpe Rail Line and the Second Niger Bridge.

He also praised Buhari for not interfering in the electoral process during his presidency, allowing democratic space for opposition parties to thrive.

“He remained loyal to the APC and President Tinubu, and the Itsekiri people will remember him for his commitment to fairness and the rule of law,” Emami said.

‘He Could Have Died If He Relied on Nigerian Hospitals’ – Femi Adesina

Former presidential spokesman Femi Adesina said Buhari’s survival hinged on seeking medical care abroad, noting that Nigeria lacked the medical expertise to handle his condition.

“He had always sought treatment in London—even before becoming president. Had he insisted on staying in Nigeria, he might have died long ago,” Adesina told Channels Television during their coverage of the burial.

On the cost of treatment, Adesina revealed that Buhari often relied on support from wealthy friends like Aliko Dangote and Abdulsalami Abubakar, and did not own property in London, staying at the Nigerian High Commission during medical trips.

He also addressed public criticism over Buhari’s children schooling abroad, stating that the former president disclosed that friends covered those expenses.

“Buhari was a man of goodwill, always supported by people who believed in him,” Adesina added.

Senator Dickson: Nigeria Has Lost a Patriot

Senator Seriake Dickson (PDP, Bayelsa West) described Buhari as one of the few Nigerians privileged to serve the country both as military head of state and twice-elected civilian president.

In a condolence message, Dickson extended sympathies to the Buhari family, Katsina State, and the Daura Emirate, calling the late leader “a man who gave his best and has now returned to his Creator.”

“I pray God grants him eternal rest and grants his family the strength to bear the loss,” the former Bayelsa governor said.

A Legacy Remembered

Born in Daura, Katsina State, Buhari first led Nigeria as military head of state from 1983 to 1985, then returned to serve as a democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023. Throughout his political career, he was widely regarded for his strict discipline, anti-corruption stance, and austere leadership style.

As the nation mourns, tributes continue to pour in from across the country and beyond, honouring a man whose name, many agree, became synonymous with integrity, service, and unwavering love for Nigeria.