The Nigerian Senate came to a sober end on Wednesday as lawmakers held a special valedictory session in honour of late former President Muhammadu Buhari, who recently passed away in London at the age of 82. The senators praised MB’s lifelong service to Nigeria and appreciated President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Government for renaming the University of Maiduguri after him.
The Senate observed a minute’s silence for the deceased, applauding the state funeral and mourning period declared by President Tinubu, including the symbolic gesture of flying national flags at half-mast.
The tributes followed a motion moved by Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), titled: “Demise of General Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, Former President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
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Senator Opeyemi described the late Buhari as a courageous soldier whose life embodied integrity, resilience, and national service.
According to Senator Seriake Dickson (PDP, Bayelsa West), Buhari’s respect for opposition leaders, despite policy disagreements, will always be remembered.
Revealing that Buhari maintained fairness during economic bailouts and elections, the lawmaker declared that Muhammadu was “a man of integrity who upheld democratic values.”
Senator Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South) lamented Nigeria’s loss of “a leader who gave his all,” while Senator Sani Musa (APC, Niger East) appealed to the people to emulate Buhari’s discipline and honesty.
Senator Sadiq Umar (Kwara North) further highlighted Buhari’s famous mantra: “I belong to everybody and I belong to nobody,” as a symbol of his non-partisan leadership.
Senator Osita Izunaso (APC, Imo West) concluded by emphasising PMB’s frugal and principled stance in politics, citing his refusal to allow wealthy individuals to purchase his nomination forms.
