National Assembly Holds Special Sessions, Eulogises Late President Buhari’s Contributions

Nigeria’s National Assembly has held special sessions to pay tribute to the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, with lawmakers from both the Senate and the House of Representatives eulogising his life and praising his significant contributions to the nation’s legislative arm during his tenure.

Former President Muhammadu Buhari passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025, in a London hospital at the age of 82. He was laid to rest in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, last week. Following the state funeral rites, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) held a special tribute session on Thursday, with the National Assembly dedicating parliamentary time to honor him.

On Wednesday, July 23, 2025, the House of Representatives held a valedictory session in honour of the late President. The session, presided over by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, saw lawmakers take turns to speak on Buhari’s legacy. Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, whose speech was read by Kalu, lauded Buhari’s unwavering commitment to strengthening the National Assembly as an institution.

“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,” Speaker Abbas stated. He highlighted Buhari’s resolute commitment to the principle of separation of powers, noting that the former president “never sought to dominate or undermine its authority. Instead, he fostered a partnership that enabled us to fulfil our constitutional mandate.”

Lawmakers specifically praised several key contributions by Buhari:

• Legislative Productivity: His tenure from 2015 to 2023 was described as a period of “unprecedented legislative productivity,” with 129 bills signed into law.
• Accountability: His directive for ministers and agency heads to prioritize appearances before NASS committees during budget cycles ensured Nigeria returned to a “disciplined fiscal process,” reinforcing oversight responsibilities.
• Landmark Legislations: He assented to critical laws such as the Electoral Act 2022 (revolutionizing electoral processes), the Petroleum Industry Act (2021), the Police Act (2020), the Nigeria Startup Act (2022), and the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act (2018).
• Upholding Independence: Lawmakers noted that Buhari upheld the independence of the National Assembly, allowing internal democracy to guide its leadership selection and refraining from interference.
• Integrity and Discipline: Many eulogized his personal integrity, anti-corruption stance, simple lifestyle, and moral compass.

Senator Sada Soli (APC, Katsina), representing Buhari’s home state, commended his simple lifestyle and anti-materialism, while Ahmed Jaha (APC, Borno) highlighted Buhari’s respect for House resolutions. Miriam Onuoha (APC, Imo) urged other leaders to emulate his virtues, particularly in empowering anti-corruption agencies.

Meanwhile, the Senate also scheduled its special session in honour of the late President Muhammadu Buhari for Wednesday, July 23, 2025, following an announcement during Tuesday’s plenary. Senate President Godswill Akpabio noted that the session would allow senators to reflect on Buhari’s life and service to the nation.

The parliamentary tributes reflect the collective recognition of Buhari’s impactful, albeit sometimes controversial, eight-year democratic presidency and his enduring influence on Nigeria’s political landscape.