By Atoyebi Nike
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has summoned an emergency session of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for Tuesday, July 15, 2025, in honor of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who died Sunday in a London hospital at the age of 82 after a prolonged illness.
The announcement was made in a personal tribute issued by President Tinubu on Sunday evening, shortly after news of Buhari’s death was made public by the Presidency.
“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,” Tinubu stated.
He described Buhari’s passing as a “profound loss” to the nation, hailing him as a “patriot, a soldier, and a statesman” whose life was marked by unwavering dedication to Nigeria’s unity and progress.
“President Buhari was to the very core, a patriot. 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,” Tinubu wrote.
The President also confirmed that Buhari would receive full state honours, adding that a formal funeral arrangement will be announced shortly by the Federal Government.
Describing the late president’s leadership style, Tinubu said Buhari remained resolute during turbulent times, with a reputation for discipline, integrity, and sacrifice.
“He championed discipline in public service, confronted corruption head-on, and placed the country above personal interest at every turn,” the statement read.
Tinubu extended condolences to former First Lady Aisha Buhari, the Buhari family, and the people of Daura and Katsina State, promising a befitting state funeral that reflects the former leader’s contributions to Nigeria’s national life.
“We honour his service. We reflect on his legacy. And we pray for the peaceful repose of his soul. May Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus,” Tinubu added.
The emergency FEC session on Tuesday will be dedicated solely to the memory and service of the late President. It will serve as the first of several tributes planned by the Federal Government.
Buhari, who became the first opposition candidate to defeat an incumbent president in 2015, leaves behind a complex legacy that spans both military rule and democratic governance.
