Senate President Godswill Akpabio has paid an emotional tribute to former President Muhammadu Buhari, hailing him as a symbol of discipline, integrity, and selfless leadership.
Speaking at an extended Federal Executive Council (FEC) session held in Abuja in Buhari’s honour, Akpabio reflected on the former president’s unwavering commitment to Nigeria and praised his legacy of service without personal gain.
He highlighted Buhari’s values and leadership philosophy, stating:
“President Buhari believed that discipline mattered. That integrity mattered. That leadership, even when lonely, must be anchored in something greater than power.”
Akpabio emphasized that Buhari’s administration was guided by a deep sense of responsibility and not material indulgence. He said:
“Let us be honest, he was tough. He was a soldier who did not flinch under fire, a leader who did not flee from responsibility, and above all, a Nigerian whose loyalty to this nation was never up for sale.”
Drawing from his own experience serving under Buhari’s government, Akpabio noted that even critics acknowledged Buhari’s sincerity and spartan lifestyle.
“His toughness was born not of pride, but of patriotism, a fierce, unrelenting belief that Nigeria, with all its challenges, was still worth fighting for. Whether in khaki or agbada, he remained firm in his belief that Nigeria was worth fighting for.”