By Peter Omopo | July 13, 2025
President Bola Tinubu has ordered a seven-day period of national mourning and summoned an emergency session of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in honour of Nigeria’s former President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), who died on Sunday in a hospital in the United Kingdom at the age of 82.
In a statement personally signed by Tinubu on Sunday evening, the President described Buhari’s passing as a “monumental loss” to Nigeria and announced that all national flags will fly at half-mast across the country from Sunday, July 13, until Saturday, July 19.
“As a mark of respect to our former leader, I have directed that all national flags fly at half-staff across the country for seven days from today,” Tinubu stated.
He also revealed that an emergency FEC meeting will hold on Tuesday, July 15, specifically dedicated to the memory and service of the late president.
Tribute to a Patriot and Statesman
Reflecting on Buhari’s legacy, Tinubu paid glowing tribute to the late leader, calling him “a patriot, a soldier, and a statesman to the very core.”
“President Buhari stood firm through the most turbulent times, leading with quiet strength, profound integrity, and an unshakable belief in Nigeria’s potential,” Tinubu wrote. “He served Nigeria with unwavering dedication—first as a military leader from January 1984 to August 1985, and later as a democratically elected President from 2015 to 2023.”
The President also lauded Buhari’s anti-corruption drive and efforts to instil discipline in public governance, saying, “He championed discipline in public service, confronted corruption head-on, and placed the country above personal interest at every turn.”
Condolences to the Buhari Family and Daura Emirate
Tinubu extended his condolences to Aisha Buhari, the late President’s widow, their children, and the extended Buhari family. He also acknowledged the people and traditional leaders of Daura Emirate in Katsina State, Buhari’s hometown.
“In this moment of national mourning, I extend my deepest condolences to his beloved wife, Aisha, with whom I have been in constant touch, his children, the entire Buhari family, and all who knew and loved him,” Tinubu said.
“I also extend my condolences to the government and people of Katsina State, especially the people and traditional leaders of Daura Emirate.”
State Burial to Reflect National Contribution
The President assured the nation that the Federal Government would organise a funeral befitting Buhari’s “towering contributions to our country,” promising full state honours to celebrate the former leader’s life and service.
“We honour his service. We reflect on his legacy. And we pray for the peaceful repose of his soul,” Tinubu wrote. “May Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus. And may his life continue to inspire generations of Nigerians to serve with courage, conviction, and selflessness.”
The nation now awaits details of funeral arrangements and official proceedings, which the presidency says will be announced in the coming days.
