House Of Representatives Holds Valedictory Session In Honour Of Former President Buhari.
Felicia Asuquo, Abuja
As part of its nearly six-hour plenary on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, the House of Representatives held a solemn valedictory session to honour the life, legacy, and service of the late statesman, His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR (1942–2025), Nigeria’s 15th Head of State and immediate past President (2015–2023).
The former President, who passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025, was accorded a State Burial and laid to rest in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State.
Presiding over the session, Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, CFR, read the formal tribute of the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON.
“As a democratically elected President, he was our partner in governance whose respect for the National Assembly’s role fortified our democracy.
His commitment to the principle of separation of powers was resolute. He recognised the legislature as a co-equal arm of government, never seeking to dominate or undermine its authority.
“Instead, he fostered a partnership that enabled us to fulfil our constitutional mandate.”
“Under his watch, 129 bills were signed into law, an impressive legislative record. These were transformative laws that addressed long-standing challenges and reshaped Nigeria’s legal framework,” he added.
During the course of the valedictory session, Honourable Members from across the federation and party lines took turns to reflect on the former President’s tenure and personal character.
Contributions came from Rt. Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase (Plateau), former Deputy Speaker of the 9th House; Rep. James Abiodun Faleke (Lagos); Rep. Sada Soli (Katsina); Rep. Abubakar Hassan Nalaraba (Nasarawa); Rep. Ahmed Jaha (Borno); Rep. Miriam Onuoha (Imo); Rep. Aminu Jamo (Katsina); and Rep. Lanre Okunola (Lagos). Others who paid tribute included Rep. Eze Nwachukwu (Ebonyi); Rep. Etim Martins Esin (Akwa Ibom); Rep. Muktar Tolani Shagaya (Kwara); and Rep. Mohammed Bello El-Rufai (Kaduna).
In their tributes, Members extolled President Buhari’s humility, commitment to fiscal discipline, belief in Nigeria’s unity, and respect for constitutional processes.
They recalled his quiet strength, austere leadership style, and legacy of strengthening institutional accountability and national consciousness.
The valedictory session served as a moment of reflection and national remembrance. The House resolved to carry forward the late former President’s commitment to integrity and public service.
May the Almighty grant President Muhammadu Buhari eternal rest, and may his legacy continue to inspire the National Assembly in shaping a Nigeria that reflects the best of our collective aspirations.
