[Tribute to the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR]
I mourn my boss, former President Muhammadu Buhari, who died in London on Sunday, July 13, 2025. His death marked the end of a significant era in politics and governance in Nigeria.
I remain eternally grateful that he appointed me into his cabinet in 2019 up until 2023 when he finished his second term. That appointment gave me the opportunity to contribute my quota to national development on his watch.
He was particularly interested in my success as I supervised Nigeria’s National Development Plan (NDP) for 2021-2025, a medium-term blueprint aimed at unlocking the country’s economic potential across various sectors for sustainable and inclusive national development and which served as a bridge to Nigeria’s long-term vision, Agenda 2050.
My President, may God rest his soul, defined his life and times with his disciplined conduct, which he imbibed as a soldier and personal integrity, which distinguished him in all the public offices that he held.
To be clear, His Excellency, Retired General Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, as head of state in 1984, championed the War against Indiscipline in Nigeria to address social maladjustment and widespread corruption by mobilising the public to correct perceived social ills and promote discipline.
I recall how the public enlightenment campaigns and enforcement of rules related to public conduct and cleanliness were instilling a sense of order and responsibility in Nigerian society before the regime was suddenly overthrown.
Regardless of the fact that his regime was short-lived, General Buhari had built a reputation for himself as an exemplary leader and anti-corruption crusader par excellence. These personal character traits were his Unique Selling Points that galvanised unprecedented political support base, on which he drove his campaign to lead Nigeria as democratically-elected President. He enjoyed unprecedented approbation by Nigerians during the 2015 presidential elections.
As a cabinet minister, I witnessed the Buhari effects as an examplar in incorruptible leadership. His body language alone was a force of moral instruction. His verbal evangelical reinforcement of his anti-corruption stance during Federal Executive Council [FEC] meetings served as constant reminders to administration officials to take a cue from him.
General Buhari might not be perfect, as perfection belongs only to the Almighty God, I cannot, and I have no reasons whatsoever to discount the magnitude of the exemplary leadership that he provided. He was an inimitable statesman and nationalist who served our nation to the best of his ability and tried to build moral rearmament towards national transformation.
While I commiserate with his family, Daura Emirate, Katsina State Government as well as the Federal Government of Nigeria on the great loss of a great Nigerian leader, I pray that the Almighty God would grant his soul eternal repose. As his remains are interred in Daura, my heart particularly goes out to his family members. I pray for them God’s comfort. General Buhari will be sorely missed. Adieu, my boss. Enjoy your deserved rest.
■ Prince Clem Ikanade Agba, CON is Immediate past Minister of State for Budget and National Planning ( 2019-2023).
Monday, July 14, 2025
Buhari’s daughter weeps as mourners arrive in Daura for former president’s burial
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