…as Zulum, Lalong, Bagudu, Lai Mohammed pay tributes

Former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd), on Sunday declared that late President Muhammadu Buhari was “not a northern leader but a Nigerian leader,” saying he governed every part of the country fairly and always placed national interest above sectional considerations.

Gowon made the remark at the first anniversary remembrance of Buhari, who passed away on July 13, 2025, with political leaders, traditional rulers, former ministers, military chiefs and associates gathering in Abuja to celebrate the life and legacy of Nigeria’s former President.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, led the Federal Government delegation to the event organised by Buhari’s family and associates under the chairmanship of former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha.

Among those present were former Senate President Ahmed Lawan, former Head of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon, Governors Babagana Zulum (Borno), Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Umar Namadi (Jigawa), AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara), the Deputy Governors of Katsina and Nasarawa states, representatives of the Kano State Governor, the Ooni of Ife, former ministers Kemi Adeosun, Olorunnimbe Mamora, Rauf Aregbesola, Lai Mohammed, Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd), Hadiza Bala Usman and former Foreign Affairs Minister Geoffrey Onyeama. Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo was unavoidably absent.

Notably, all the South-East governors were absent from the ceremony, although Onyeama attended and paid tribute.

For Gowon, Buhari governed all Nigerians, rejecting claims that he governed only for the North, Gowon said:
“Some people believed he governed only for the North, but that was not the case. He ensured that every state and every part of the country was treated fairly and equally. That remains to his credit.”
He described Buhari as a gallant soldier whose integrity and fairness were beyond question. President Buhari did his best for Nigeria. His sense of integrity and fairness knew no bounds.”

Gowon also recalled how Buhari came to his family’s aid when he could not pay his children’s school fees while abroad.
“That was the kind of person he was. He cared for people,” even as he credited Tinubu’s support for Buhari’s eventual emergence as President after several unsuccessful attempts and praised Buhari for standing solidly behind Tinubu’s own presidential ambition.

He also commended former President Goodluck Jonathan’s concession in 2015, saying Buhari accepted it graciously and placed Nigeria above personal ambition.

Former secretary to the government of the federation (SGF), Mr. Boss Mustapha who is the Chairman of the Central Organising Committee described the remembrance as a celebration of a leader who devoted his entire life to Nigeria.

“Today is not merely a day of remembrance; it is a day of reflection, gratitude and renewed commitment to the ideals that defined this remarkable life.”

He thanked President Tinubu for supporting the event and said the massive turnout reflected the respect Buhari commanded across Nigeria.

Zulum: He treated insecurity as a personal responsibility

Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum said Buhari remained personally committed to restoring peace in the North-East throughout his administration.

“He remained steadfast in building peaceful coexistence and was genuinely concerned about the welfare of Nigerians, especially the people of Borno and the North-East. He believed leadership was a trust to be discharged with sincerity as dictated by Allah.”

Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, described Buhari as a disciplined leader who confronted enormous national challenges.

“Happy Nigerians attest to his discipline and integrity. He deeply believed in the unity of Nigeria and promoted inclusivity.” He urged Nigerians to pursue Buhari’s vision of a self-reliant and prosperous nation.

Former Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong described Buhari as a principled leader adding peace and security remained topmost on his agenda.

Lalong said history would continue to remember Buhari for his anti-corruption campaign and contributions to national development.

Former Minister of Information, Malam Lai Mohammed chronicled Buhari’s long journey from soldier to military ruler, Petroleum Trust Fund chairman, presidential candidate and two-term civilian President.

“Only a few Nigerians could match his public service record.”
According to him, Buhari’s greatest attributes were humility, honesty and compassion. Above all, Buhari was a true humanist, a leader who was empathetic. I lost a mentor, a pillar and a father figure.”

He announced plans to institute an annual lecture on Buhari’s anti-corruption philosophy, integrity and patriotism to inspire future generations.

Representing Governor Dikko Umar Radda, Deputy Governor Faruk Lawal Jobe said the late President’s greatest legacy was integrity in public service.
“The greatest tribute we can pay President Buhari is to embrace integrity over expediency, service over self-interest, justice over favouritism and national unity over division.”

He said Katsina State would continue promoting the values Buhari stood for through accountability, agriculture, education, youth empowerment and responsible governance.

Onyeama particularly recalled Buhari’s international achievements, noting that he earned global respect for his integrity and strengthened Nigeria’s security architecture by securing the lifting of the United States arms embargo, facilitating the acquisition of Super Tucano aircraft, building regional coalitions against insurgency in the Sahel, championing the African Standby Force and promoting export development.