Nigeria’s Chief Justice, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has paid tribute to the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing his life as a symbol of unyielding duty, discipline, and devotion to national service.
She called on Nigerians to reflect on Buhari’s legacy and to draw inspiration from his lifelong dedication to national development,
In a solemn statement, the Chief Justice reflected on the former leader’s legacy, noting that “his unwavering commitment to the Nigerian project, despite personal and political setbacks, stands as a lasting testament to his resilience and belief in the nation’s potential.”
Buhari, who served Nigeria both as a military ruler (1983–1985) and as a two-term civilian president (2015–2023), died at the age of 82.
His burial is scheduled to take place in his ancestral hometown of Daura, Katsina State, in accordance with Islamic rites.
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Justice Kekere-Ekun said she received the news “with sadness, but with gratitude to God for a life well lived,” adding that Buhari’s example offers vital lessons in a time of “shifting values.”
“In a time of shifting values, his example reminds us of the importance of perseverance, principles, and public service,” she said.
She extended condolences to Buhari’s family, the government and people of Katsina State, and Nigerians at large, describing him as “a statesman who served his country” with rare consistency and vision.
The Chief Justice called for unity and a renewed commitment to public good in the face of ongoing political and economic challenges.
Buhari’s legacy, both lauded and contested at home and abroad, includes a fierce anti-corruption drive, an assertive military campaign against insurgency, and controversial economic policies.
Yet, in the view of Nigeria’s highest judicial officer, it is his resolute character and enduring belief in the Nigerian nation that will remain his defining legacy on the world stage.