Buhari’s Death: Tinubu Convenes Emergency FEC Meeting, Orders Full State Honours for Late Former President

ABUJA, NIGERIA — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a national period of mourning following the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025, in a London hospital. In a solemn tribute released Sunday evening, Tinubu described Buhari’s passing as a deeply personal and national loss.

As part of the government’s immediate response, President Tinubu has summoned an emergency session of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), scheduled for Tuesday, July 15, 2025. The session, he said, would be entirely dedicated to honouring the legacy and contributions of the late Nigerian leader.

“In honour of our departed leader, I have summoned an emergency Federal Executive Council session on Tuesday,” Tinubu stated in the personally signed tribute. “It is important that we, as a government and a nation, come together to reflect on his service and pay our respects appropriately.”

Seven Days of Mourning, National Flags to Fly at Half-Staff

In further demonstration of national grief, President Tinubu has directed that all national flags across the country be flown at half-staff for seven days, starting Sunday. The symbolic gesture, often reserved for the nation’s most revered leaders, underscores the gravity of the moment and Buhari’s stature in Nigerian history.

“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,” the President announced. This directive applies to all government institutions, military formations, embassies, and public facilities.

Government sources say additional national commemorative events will be unveiled following Tuesday’s FEC meeting, with preparations already underway for what has been described as a “historic state burial.”

A Tribute to a Patriot, Soldier, and Statesman

In his emotional tribute, President Tinubu lauded Buhari’s enduring commitment to national service. He referred to the late leader as “a patriot, a soldier, a statesman” who remained deeply committed to Nigeria’s unity and progress throughout his life.

“President Buhari was, to the very core, a patriot. He served Nigeria with unwavering dedication,” Tinubu wrote, referencing Buhari’s military leadership from 1984 to 1985 and his two-term presidency from 2015 to 2023. He praised Buhari’s resolve in confronting corruption and instilling discipline across the public sector.

“He championed discipline in public service, confronted corruption head-on, and placed the country above personal interest at every turn,” the President emphasized, reflecting on Buhari’s controversial but firm legacy of reform and order.

Condolences to the Buhari Family, Katsina, and Daura Emirate

President Tinubu also used the tribute to extend heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family of the late President, particularly his widow, Aisha Buhari, with whom Tinubu said he has remained in constant touch. He acknowledged the strength of the former First Lady and conveyed his support to their children and extended family.

“In this moment of national mourning, I extend my deepest condolences to his beloved wife, Aisha, his children, the entire Buhari family, and all who knew and loved him,” he stated. The President further recognized the people of Katsina State, especially the traditional rulers and residents of the Daura Emirate, the former President’s ancestral home.

The governor of Katsina State and traditional leaders are reportedly coordinating with the Presidency to begin local arrangements ahead of the state funeral.

State Funeral Plans Underway, Tinubu Prays for Buhari’s Peace

President Tinubu assured the nation that the Federal Government would organise a state funeral befitting Buhari’s status as a former Head of State and two-term democratic president. The ceremony, he said, would reflect Buhari’s “towering contributions to our country.”

“We honour his service. We reflect on his legacy. And we pray for the peaceful repose of his soul,” Tinubu wrote. He concluded with a spiritual appeal: “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.”

Details of the funeral proceedings are expected to be made public following Tuesday’s emergency FEC meeting. Meanwhile, tributes have begun pouring in from political leaders, global figures, and citizens across Nigeria, marking the beginning of a week of national reflection and remembrance.