By the National Patriots. Headlinenews.News Editorial Team | Abuja | July 14, 2025
In a solemn and historic moment for Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has officially declared seven days of national mourning to honour the life and legacy of former President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, who passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025, in London.
A statement from the Office of the President, relayed through the Federal Ministry of Information, confirmed that all national flags will be flown at half-mast across Nigeria and at diplomatic missions abroad, from Sunday, July 13 to Saturday, July 19, as a mark of respect for the departed leader.
A Historic Tribute to a Two-Time Nigerian Head of State
President Buhari is the first Nigerian leader to have ruled both as a military Head of State (1983–1985) and later as a democratically elected President (2015–2023). His dual tenure places him among a rare group of global statesmen who transitioned from military to civilian leadership while maintaining a focus on national integrity and development.
“President Muhammadu Buhari gave his life in service to our country. He embodied sacrifice, courage, and steadfast nationalism. This period of mourning is not just ceremonial—it is a time to reflect on his contributions and recommit ourselves to nation-building,” — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said in a written statement from the Villa.
National Mourning: Protocol, Precedents, and Significance
This 7-day mourning period places Buhari among a select few Nigerian leaders who have received such posthumous honour. Similar gestures were extended during the deaths of:
- Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe (1996) – First President of Nigeria
- General Sani Abacha (1998) – Former Head of State
- President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua (2010) – Died while in office
- Dr. Dora Akunyili and Chief Obafemi Awolowo also received partial state observances for national impact.
The national flag protocol follows global diplomatic norms, notably the Commonwealth and UN standards, where mourning periods vary from 3 to 10 days for former heads of state.
National and International Reactions
Condolences have poured in from world leaders, including:
President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa
President Macky Sall of Senegal
King Salman of Saudi Arabia
UN Secretary-General António Guterres
African Union Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat
They described Buhari as a “pillar of continental security,” “a voice for integrity in Africa,” and “a leader of extraordinary simplicity and conviction.”
A Legacy Built on Reform and Discipline
President Buhari’s years in power saw landmark reforms in:
- Anti-corruption efforts (via EFCC, TSA, and Whistleblower policy)
- Infrastructure expansion, including the Second Niger Bridge, railways, and Lagos-Ibadan Expressway
- Agricultural revitalisation under the Anchor Borrowers Programme
- Security stabilisation through regional alliances to contain insurgency
While his leadership style often drew debate, his personal frugality and austere approach earned him a reputation as “Mr. Integrity”, both at home and abroad.
Tributes from Prominent Figures
“He may have led in silence, but his actions spoke volumes. Buhari was a bridge between Nigeria’s past and future.”
— Princess Gloria Adebajo-Fraser, MFR, Founder, National Patriots
“Nigeria is mourning a statesman who saw governance not as glamour but as duty.”
— President Macky Sall, Senegal
“His brand of leadership may never return in this lifetime—one built on simplicity, sacrifice and stubborn love for Nigeria.”
— Dr. G. Fraser, Governance Analyst
What to Expect This Week
Funeral scheduled for Tuesday, July 15, in Daura, Katsina State
Presidential tribute at Aso Rock midweek
Special Jumat and Christian memorial services by interfaith councils
Flags to return to full mast on Sunday, July 20
A Final Word and Prayer
As Nigeria observes this moment of reflection, mosques and churches have been urged to offer prayers for the soul of the late leader.
اللهم اغفر له وارحمه، واجعل قبره روضة من رياض الجنة، وادخله الفردوس الأعلى مع النبيين والصديقين والشهداء والصالحين.
“O Allah, forgive him and have mercy on him. Make his grave a garden from the gardens of Paradise, and admit him to the highest station in Jannah among the Prophets, the truthful, the martyrs, and the righteous.”
The National Patriots.
Headlinenews.news.
Stay with Headlinenews.news for full coverage of the state funeral, tributes, and national moments of remembrance.
