By Abdulkarim Ibrahim
In a poignant display of respect, Nigeria’s House of Representatives convened a valedictory session dedicated to the memory of late President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday.
This solemn tribute underscored the impact of the former leader on the nation’s political landscape.
The announcement of this special session came just a week after the shocking news of President Buhari’s passing in a London hospital. The swift acknowledgment by lawmakers highlighted the significance of Buhari’s legacy and the nation’s desire to pay homage to his contributions.
As the representatives gathered for this memorial session, the air was thick with reflections on Buhari’s tenure and the mark he left on Nigeria. The valedictory session served as a fitting tribute to a leader whose time in office was marked by notable efforts and challenges, leaving a lasting imprint on the country’s history.
Excerpt of the valedictory speech by the Speaker, House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Tajuddeen Abbas, PhD., GCON during the session
[Protocol]
We pause to honour the memory of a statesman who left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s legislative and democratic landscape, President Muhammadu Buhari. His passing at the age of 82 marks the close of a significant chapter in our nation’s history. As we reflect on his life, we do so with solemn gratitude for his service, particularly his contributions to the strengthening of this institution and the laws that will guide Nigeria for generations.
All his life, President Buhari toiled and laboured for Nigeria. 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. His directive to his ministers and agency heads to prioritise appearances before our committees during budget cycles exemplified this respect. By insisting on their accountability to this House, he ensured that Nigeria returned to a disciplined fiscal process, reinforcing the oversight responsibilities entrusted to us.
President Buhari’s tenure as President, from 2015 to 2023, was a period of unprecedented legislative productivity, a demonstration of his willingness to collaborate with the 8th and 9th National Assemblies. 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. Allow me to highlight a few of these landmark achievements, forged through the synergy between the executive and this chamber:
The Not Too Young to Run Act (2018): This constitutional amendment lowered the age requirements for elective offices, enabling younger Nigerians to participate in governance. By signing this bill, President Buhari empowered a new generation to contribute to Nigeria’s leadership, ensuring that youth are no longer excluded from the political process. The impact is already evident in the increasing number of young candidates vying for office, bringing fresh perspectives to our democracy. Even in this chamber, the presence of so many young Members is partly due to his courage to sing that bill into law.
The Electoral Act (2022): This legislation revolutionised our electoral process by introducing electronic transmission of results, early party primaries, and restrictions on government appointees serving as voting delegates. These reforms, debated extensively in this chamber, have enhanced the transparency and credibility of our elections. The 2023 general elections, conducted under this framework, marked a significant step toward fairer and more accountable electoral processes, a foundation we continue to build upon.
The Petroleum Industry Act (2021): After nearly two decades of stalled efforts, this chamber, in partnership with President Buhari’s administration, enacted a law that restructured Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. By transforming the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation into a commercial entity, establishing host community funds, and promoting transparency, this Act has positioned Nigeria’s economic lifeline for sustained growth and accountability. Its passage was a triumph of perseverance, reflecting the collaborative spirit that defined Buhari’s relationship with this House.
Additional Legislative Milestones: President Buhari assented to other critical laws that originated in this chamber, including the Police Act (2020), which modernised our policing framework for the first time since 1943; the Nigeria Startup Act (2022), fostering innovation in our digital economy; and the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act (2018), advancing the rights of millions of Nigerians. Constitutional amendments in 2023, granting financial autonomy to state legislatures and judiciaries and empowering states to generate electricity, further deepened our federalism. Each of these laws, shaped by the deliberations of this House, bears the imprint of Buhari’s commitment to institutional reform.
President Buhari’s respect for this chamber extended beyond legislative output. He upheld the independence of the National Assembly, allowing internal democracy to guide our leadership selection and refraining from interference. This environment enabled us to pass laws that limited executive power, such as the Financial Autonomy Act for local governments and state institutions and strengthened citizen rights through measures like the Freedom of Information Act enforcement amendment and the Mental Health Act (2021). His willingness to sign bills that enhanced scrutiny of the executive demonstrated a rare humility, a recognition that strong institutions outlast any single administration.
Beyond legislation, President Buhari’s legacy in this chamber is one of partnership. He supported our oversight functions, ensuring that his appointees respected our summons and that the law took its course in cases of misconduct. His commitment to the rule of law was evident in his administration’s pursuit of anti-corruption cases through the courts, including high-profile prosecutions that signalled a departure from impunity. By strengthening mechanisms like the Treasury Single Account and signing laws such as the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery) Act (2022), he laid a foundation for greater accountability in public finance, a legacy that continues to benefit our nation.
As we honour President Buhari today, we acknowledge that his legacy, like that of any leader, invites varied perspectives. Some may point to challenges during his tenure, economic difficulties, security concerns, or unfulfilled aspirations. Yet, in this chamber, we see a broader picture: a leader who served Nigeria for nearly six decades, from a young military officer to a democratic president, always striving for the nation’s progress. His contributions to infrastructure, reviving rail lines like Abuja–Kaduna and Lagos–Ibadan, completing the Second Niger Bridge, and rehabilitating thousands of kilometres of roads, complemented the legislative advancements we celebrate today. These achievements, born of his vision and our collaboration, form a foundation for Nigeria’s future.
Colleagues, let the legacy of President Muhammadu Buhari, and whatever disagreements we may hold about his tenure, unite us now. In this chamber, where he laboured alongside us to build a stronger Nigeria, let us resolve to carry forward his commitment to integrity, accountability, and service. His life reminds us that leadership is not about perfection but about steadfast dedication to the public good. As we bid farewell to a patriot, let us recommit to the values he embodied, respect for institutions, faith in Nigeria’s potential, and the pursuit of laws that uplift our people.
May the Almighty grant President Buhari eternal rest, and may his legacy inspire this House to continue shaping a Nigeria that reflects the best of our collective aspirations.
Thank you, and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.