Buhari: Final Journey of a Soldier, Statesman, Silent Reformer
By Boluwatife Adedokun
Nigeria bid farewell to one of its most consequential leaders as former President Muhammadu Buhari was laid to rest in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, following his passing in London on July 13, 2025, at the age of 82.
The burial, which drew high-ranking government officials, dignitaries, military personnel, and ordinary citizens from across the country, marked the end of an era for a man widely known as a soldier, statesman, and silent reformer.
A Solemn Farewell
The Nigerian government declared Tuesday, July 15, a national day of mourning, with flags flown at half-mast. The late president received full military honors, including a 21-gun salute, as his body was interred with Islamic rites.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, state governors, and former heads of state joined the Buhari family in mourning, describing him as a symbol of discipline, integrity, and service to the nation.
“President Buhari gave his all to Nigeria. He lived for the country, ruled it with restraint, and walked away in peace,” President Tinubu said at the Daura burial ceremony.
Legacy of a Quiet General
Born on December 17, 1942, Muhammadu Buhari first ruled Nigeria as a military head of state from 1983 to 1985, before returning to power democratically in 2015 and serving two terms until 2023.
His leadership was marked by a stern anti-corruption campaign, emphasis on infrastructure, and efforts to combat insecurity—though his administration was also criticized for rising poverty, economic instability, and worsening insecurity in the later years.
A man of few words but firm convictions, Buhari was often described as austere and principled. He refused ostentation in office, maintained a simple lifestyle, and stayed out of the public eye after his presidency, earning him the title “Silent Reformer.”
Tributes Pour In
Tributes flooded in from across the globe, with former U.S. presidents, African Union leaders, and religious institutions sending messages of condolence.
The United Nations Secretary-General noted that Buhari “brought stability and discipline to Nigeria during challenging periods,” while Nigeria’s Senate President Godswill Akpabio praised him for “democratizing discipline and leading with unmatched simplicity.”
Final Resting Place
Buhari’s remains were interred at the Daura family compound, beside the resting place of his mother. The funeral prayer (Janazah) was led by the Chief Imam of Daura and attended by traditional rulers, military veterans, and thousands of supporters who had traveled to witness the historic moment.
As the sun set over Daura, a generation of Nigerians reflected on a complex but unforgettable leader—whose quiet strength shaped the nation for over four decades.
