Buhari Never Looted Nigeria’s Treasury – Akpabio Defends Ex-President
Senate President Godswill Akpabio praised the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, highlighting him as a leader who served Nigeria with integrity and did not exploit the country's treasury.
Akpabio delivered the remarks on Thursday during an expanded Federal Executive Council meeting in Abuja, held to honor Buhari.
The Senate President remarked that even the former president's critics would agree he did not misuse public funds during his tenure.
He remarked, "Let's be honest; he was tough. He was a soldier who stood firm under fire, a leader who never shied away from responsibility, and most importantly, a Nigerian whose loyalty to this nation could not be bought."
His resilience stemmed not from pride, but from a deep-seated patriotism—a fervent, unwavering conviction that Nigeria, despite its challenges, was still worth defending. However, some people do not share his view.
"That is the essence of democracy. Yet, even his harshest critics will concede that he neither exploited the nation's leader nor indulged in its pleasures to the very end."
Attending the special FEC meeting were leaders from the National Assembly, ministers, governors, and the late leader's children, headed by his son Yusuf.
The ex-Governor of Akwa Ibom State remarked that Buhari prioritized duty while others pursued recognition, portraying him as a leader who faced challenges head-on rather than avoiding them.
"President Buhari didn’t just navigate the halls of power; he left a lasting mark with his presence. He held firm in the belief that discipline and integrity are vital, and that leadership, even when solitary, must be rooted in something more profound than mere authority," he added.
It is reported that Buhari held the position of military Head of State from 1983 to 1985 and later served as a civilian president for eight years, spanning from 2015 to 2023.
He passed away on Sunday at a clinic in London at the age of 82 and was laid to rest in his hometown, Daura, Katsina State.