Abuja, July 17, 2025 — At a solemn session of the expanded Federal Executive Council (FEC) held in honour of the late former President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, CON, delivered a heartfelt tribute celebrating the statesman’s integrity, legacy, and service to the nation.
The special FEC meeting brought together top government officials and dignitaries to reflect on the life and impact of the former President, who passed away on Sunday, July 13, in London. Keyamo described Buhari as a “thoroughbred patriot, an officer and a statesman” whose leadership style and personal character left a profound mark on Nigeria’s governance history.
Highlighting Buhari’s rare distinction of ruling Nigeria both as a military Head of State and as a democratically elected President, Keyamo said the late leader’s influence on the nation was “deep and defining,” impacting millions of lives through policies shaped by personal discipline, fear of God, and a strong moral compass.
“President Muhammadu Buhari served this country completely unblemished,” Keyamo declared. “Whether judged harshly or kindly, the general consensus remains that he embodied honesty and integrity in public office. He was a President who walked the talk and led by example.”
Recalling his personal experiences serving under Buhari first as the President’s campaign spokesperson during the 2019 elections and later as Minister of State in two different ministries, Keyamo praised Buhari’s unwavering commitment to order and discipline in public administration. He described the late leader as one who never compromised institutional hierarchy for personal ties or favoritism.
Keyamo recounted Buhari’s long service record, which included stints as Platoon Commander, Brigade Commander, Governor of the old North Eastern Region, Minister, Chairman of the Petroleum Trust Fund, and finally President. “Yet,” he emphasized, “he was never found wanting. Not once.”
The Minister also acknowledged the remarkable arc of Buhari’s political journey from a stern military ruler in the 1980s to a persistent electoral contender, and eventually to a transformative democratic leader who presided over Nigeria’s first successful defeat of a sitting President in 2015 and handed over power peacefully in 2023.
“That is the stuff of which thrilling, fictional movies are made,” Keyamo said, adding that Buhari’s ability to evolve and redefine his legacy at the highest levels of public life made him an enigma in both life and death.
Concluding his tribute, Keyamo said, “At the end, we can conveniently say that President Muhammadu Buhari ticked all the boxes of a quintessential patriot, a fine officer, and an exceptional statesman. He came, he fought, and he conquered. He has finished the course and run a good race. Goodbye, Mai Gaskiya.”
The event formed part of a series of national tributes and events mourning the passing of a leader whose influence on Nigeria’s political and moral landscape is likely to end
ure for generations.
