National Assembly Urges President Tinubu to Honour Buhari with a National Memorial

National Assembly Urges President Tinubu to Honour Buhari with a National Memorial

On Wednesday, the National Assembly held separate yet deeply emotional sessions to honour former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at the age of 82 in a London hospital following a prolonged illness.

During its session, the Senate paid heartfelt tributes to the late statesman, with lawmakers urging President Bola Tinubu to immortalise him by naming a national monument in his honour.

A condolence register was opened within the National Assembly complex to allow legislators and visitors to pay their respects.

Moving the motion, Senate Leader Michael Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) reflected on Buhari’s enduring legacy, highlighting his contributions both as a former military head of state and as a two-term democratically elected president.

As we mourn the passage of a great son of Nigeria, we are reminded of the transient nature of human life,” Bamidele said. “General Buhari lived a fulfilled life — first as a courageous officer who rose to the peak of his military career, and then as a democratically elected President who led this country for eight years.”

Senator Abdulaziz Yari (APC, Zamfara) also paid tribute, saying, “Every one of us, one day, we are all going to be there. So our actions should aim to make our world better. We should do good for our country, ourselves, parents, and for the responsibilities God has given us.”

Former Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, praised Buhari’s consistency, describing him as a leader who “stood for something in the history of Nigeria’s politics.”

He added, “Let me commend President Bola Tinubu for ensuring a befitting state burial for the late former President. I worked closely under the leadership of the late President, and it will form the main focus of my tribute.”

Senate President Godswill Akpabio also commended President Tinubu for honouring Buhari with a state funeral.

“I think you’ve captured it all. He is there now — alone. He didn’t take anything with him: no property, no wife, nothing. Only memories. Today, we use this opportunity to commend President Bola Tinubu for setting the right tone in honouring a leader who served the country well.

“The entire country is proud of what this administration has done in paying respect to Buhari. That was something that stood out to me, beyond the usual talk of integrity. It was his compassion. That was the Buhari many people didn’t see,” Akpabio added.

The Senate, in its resolution, observed a minute of silence and praised the Federal Government for the “befitting state funeral,” urging Tinubu to immortalise Buhari by naming a national monument after him.

In the House of Representatives, a special valedictory session presided over by Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, witnessed lawmakers pouring heartfelt tributes on the late leader.

Kalu, representing Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, said Buhari’s leadership deepened Nigeria’s democratic process and respect for institutional independence.

All his life, President Buhari toiled and laboured for Nigeria. As a democratically elected President, he was our partner in governance whose respect for the National Assembly’s role fortified our democracy,” Kalu said.

“His directive to his ministers and agency heads to prioritise appearances before our committees during budget cycles exemplified this respect. By insisting on their accountability to this House, he ensured that Nigeria returned to a disciplined fiscal process, reinforcing the oversight responsibilities entrusted to us.”

He noted that Buhari signed 129 bills into law, including landmark legislations such as the Not Too Young to Run Act (2018), Petroleum Industry Act (2021), Police Act (2020), Electoral Act (2022), and Nigeria Startup Act (2022).

Kalu acknowledged that while Buhari’s administration faced challenges, “in this chamber, we see a broader picture: a leader who served Nigeria for nearly six decades… always striving for the nation’s progress.”

Other lawmakers echoed similar sentiments.

Eze Nwachukwu (Ebonyi) said, “The principles I learned from the late President contribute to what I am today… In his first term, he was challenged by ill health, but he soldiered on.”

Sada Soli (Katsina) hailed Buhari’s modest lifestyle, stating, “He was a man of anti-corruption and walked through the system without a stain on his integrity… a deeply spiritual man with deep faith.”

Ahmed Jaha (Borno) praised former President Muhammadu Buhari for his respect for legislative resolutions and for establishing the North East Development Commission, which played a key role in post-insurgency recovery efforts.

Miriam Onuoha (Imo) highlighted Buhari’s commitment to the anti-corruption campaign, noting that he strengthened institutions like the EFCC and ICPC, and called on other leaders to follow his example.

James Faleke (Lagos) reflected on Buhari’s War Against Indiscipline during his military regime, recalling how it instilled order, including citizens queuing properly at bus stops. He described Buhari as a symbol of integrity.

The session ended with prayers for the peaceful repose of Buhari’s soul and for comfort for his family.