The Nigerian Senate has called on the Federal Government to immortalise the late former President, Muhammadu Buhari, by naming a national monument in his honour.
This resolution followed a motion moved during Wednesday’s plenary by the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele.
The Senate also commended the Federal Government for organising a befitting state funeral for the late president and observed a minute of silence in his memory.
While presenting the motion, Bamidele expressed sorrow over Buhari’s death and highlighted his contributions to Nigeria.
“As I move this motion today, I am reminded of the transient nature of human life. However, our consolation is that our former President led a successful and fulfilled life, both as a gallant soldier who rose to the peak of his military career, and as a democrat who served two uninterrupted terms as President,” he said.
Bamidele traced Buhari’s political trajectory, noting his presidential bids in 2003 and 2007 under the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party, ANPP, and again in 2011 under the Congress for Progressive Change, CPC. He finally succeeded in 2015 when he won the election under the All Progressives Congress, APC, and was re-elected in 2019.
“His persistence paid off in 2015 when he won the election under the All Progressives Congress, APC and was re-elected in 2019. As President, he embarked on numerous reforms that contributed to the socio-economic development of the country,” he added.
Bamidele expressed regret over Buhari’s passing on Sunday, July 13, at a hospital in London.
“May his legacy continue to guide and inspire future generations, and may his soul rest in peace,” he said.
He also acknowledged the national mourning declared by President Bola Tinubu and the symbolic gesture of flying national flags at half-mast.
“The Senate, in turn, suspended plenary for one week in his honour,” Bamidele noted.
In their tributes, several senators echoed Bamidele’s sentiments.
Senator Abdul’aziz Yari, APC, Zamfara, described Buhari as “a man of integrity, incorruptible and God-fearing.”
Senator Seriake Dickson, PDP, Bayelsa, hailed Buhari’s unique place in history, noting that he served as both military Head of State and later as a democratically elected President. He also praised President Tinubu for the honour accorded Buhari in death, saying it set “a basic minimum national standard to honour a deceased President.”
Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, concluded the session by affirming that Nigeria would continue to miss Buhari for years to come.
