The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday called on the Federal Government to immortalise the late former President Muhammadu Buhari by naming a national monument after him.

The resolution followed a motion moved by Senate Leader, Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele, during plenary. In a show of respect, the Senate also observed a minute of silence in honour of Buhari and commended President Bola Tinubu for the befitting state funeral accorded to the late leader.

Leading the tributes, Bamidele described Buhari as a gallant soldier, a statesman, and a two-time democratically elected president who shaped Nigeria’s history with courage and integrity.

“As we mourn, we must also celebrate the life of a patriot who served Nigeria faithfully — first as a military ruler, and later as a democratic president. His legacy of service and discipline will remain a guiding light for future generations,” Bamidele said.

He recalled Buhari’s resilience in politics after his military rule, noting that he contested presidential elections three times before finally winning in 2015 under the All Progressives Congress (APC), and was re-elected in 2019.

“Through his reforms, he contributed significantly to the socio-economic development of Nigeria,” Bamidele added.

Buhari passed away on Sunday, July 13, at a London hospital. His death drew national mourning, with President Tinubu declaring seven days of mourning and ordering national flags to be flown at half-mast. The Senate also suspended plenary for a week in his honour.

Contributing to the motion, Sen. Abdul’aziz Yari (APC-Zamfara) described Buhari as “a man of rare integrity, non-corrupt, and God-fearing.”

Sen. Seriake Dickson (PDP-Bayelsa) said that few Nigerians have had the privilege of serving the country in both military and civilian capacities, praising President Tinubu for setting a new standard in honouring departed leaders.

In his closing remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio noted that Nigeria would miss Buhari for years to come.

“His footprints are firmly etched in the sands of time. May his soul rest in peace,” Akpabio said.