Nigeria’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, has described the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari as the end of a pivotal chapter in the country’s political and moral journey, calling him a leader of “unyielding integrity” and “principled service.”
In a solemn tribute, Fagbemi praised Buhari’s lifelong dedication to justice, governance reform, and national transformation.
The former president, who ruled Nigeria both as a military head of state and later as a democratically elected leader, died at the age of 82.
“The passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, marks the end of an era in Nigeria’s political and moral history,” said Fagbemi. “He will be remembered with profound respect for his unwavering dedication to God and country.”
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The Attorney General noted that Buhari’s presidency left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s legal and institutional frameworks.
His administration was credited with major reforms in justice, law enforcement, and governance, including modernization of correctional services, anti-corruption policy frameworks, and the devolution of powers to deepen federalism.
Fagbemi also emphasized Buhari’s pivotal role in defending Nigeria’s financial sovereignty, notably his participation in the country’s legal fight against an $11 billion arbitration award to Process & Industrial Developments (P&ID)—a move seen as a defining moment in Nigeria’s international legal posture.
“Under Buhari’s leadership, Nigeria initiated the successful challenge to the $11 billion P&ID arbitral award. That bold and strategic effort was carried forward by President Bola Tinubu, ultimately enabling our nation to avert a crippling financial burden,” Fagbemi stated.
Even after leaving office, Buhari continued to serve the nation. Fagbemi recalled a key moment in January 2025, when the retired president travelled to Paris to testify in another high-stakes arbitration over the Mambila Hydroelectric Power Project.
“Despite the demands of age and the comfort of private life, former President Buhari selflessly agreed to serve as a witness… bearing testimony for the country he loved with rare and steadfast conviction.”
The tribute concluded with condolences to Buhari’s widow, Aisha Buhari, and President Bola Tinubu, hailing the late leader as “a titan of principle and purpose.”