Senate President Godswill Akpabio paid tribute to the late President Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as a man of discipline and integrity who left a significant mark on Nigeria’s leadership. Speaking during a special session of the Expanded Federal Executive Council meeting held in Buhari’s honor, Akpabio emphasized that while Buhari might not have been perfect, he stood firmly for values like discipline, honor, and patriotism.
“President Buhari did not merely pass through the corridors of power. He left his boots and his imprints in them,” Akpabio stated, highlighting Buhari’s principled approach to leadership. He acknowledged that in a world where many chase headlines, Buhari chose to pursue honor and duty.
Reflecting on his time as a minister in Buhari’s cabinet, Akpabio characterized the former president as austere and unflamboyant, yet deeply committed to his responsibilities. He remarked on Buhari’s measured demeanor and deliberate actions, noting that beneath his calm exterior was a patriot dedicated to public service.
Akpabio asserted that Buhari’s legacy rests not only in his achievements but also in the moral standards he upheld. He stated, “He believed that discipline mattered. That integrity mattered. That leadership, even when lonely, must be anchored in something greater than power.”
While acknowledging that Buhari’s leadership style attracted criticism, Akpabio maintained that even the former president’s critics could not question his moral integrity. He described Buhari as tough and unwavering, a leader who faced responsibilities head-on without resorting to personal gain.
Concluding his tribute, Akpabio expressed that Buhari’s name would be remembered for his steadfast commitment to national duty rather than for flamboyance or fanfare. “Let it be said by generations to come, that a man once walked this land with a firm gait, a steady gaze, and an iron sense of duty. His name was Muhammadu Buhari,” he stated.
