Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Festus Keyamo (SAN), has paid a glowing tribute to the late President Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as a rare leader who embodied honesty, discipline, and integrity throughout his decades of public service.
In an emotional speech following Buhari’s passing, Keyamo reflected on the former president’s long and eventful journey in Nigerian leadership, praising him as one of only two individuals in Nigeria’s history to have ruled both as a military head of state and a democratically-elected president.
“The passing of late President Muhammadu Buhari has evoked different emotions and reactions across Nigeria and even beyond. But one consensus in the midst of these emotions, opinions, and reactions is that President Muhammadu Buhari served this country completely unblemished”, he said.
Keyamo, who served as Buhari’s campaign spokesperson in the 2019 presidential election and later as Minister of State in two ministries, recalled the former president’s austere lifestyle, unwavering discipline, and dedication to transparency.
“He was a moral and ethical compass in governance. He served this country with a good conscience, the fear of God, and extraordinary discipline,” he said.
Quoting his earlier tribute, Keyamo remarked, “They don’t make them like him anymore; not given to the primitive acquisition of unearned wealth, frugal in living, austere in lifestyle, not inclined to showboating and incredibly honest to the core.”
Keyamo highlighted Buhari’s extensive public service record, which spanned military and civilian roles, including positions as Platoon Commander, Governor of the old North-Eastern Region, Federal Commissioner, Minister, PTF Chairman, and ultimately President. “Yet, he was NEVER found wanting for once,” he noted emphatically.
He also commended Buhari’s adherence to hierarchical discipline in governance saying, “The Buhari I know will NEVER, EVER sacrifice hierarchical order and discipline on the altar of personal relationships, family ties or friendships,” emphasising how the former president prioritised institutional order above personal interest.
Reflecting on Buhari’s evolving image over the decades, Keyamo acknowledged the complexity of his legacy, from the stern military ruler of the 1980s, to a serial election contender, to the symbol of democratic change in 2015.
“Only very few people in history have the grace and opportunity to reinvent themselves at the highest level and to recraft their own legacies,” he said.
He said, “From a man who once truncated democracy, to one who peacefully handed over power in a free and fair democratic process, this is the stuff of which thrilling, fictional movies are made.”
President Muhammadu Buhari died in a London hospital on June 13, 2025, and was buried in his hometown, Daura, on July 15.
His death has drawn tributes from across the globe, with many reflecting on his controversial but impactful tenure.
