July 17, (THEWILL) — Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, has hailed late former President Muhammadu Buhari as a quintessential patriot, a fine officer, and an exceptional statesman who upheld discipline and order above personal relationships.
Keyamo, who served as Buhari’s campaign spokesperson in the 2019 elections and later as Minister of State in the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs and the Ministry of Labour and Employment, spoke on Thursday during a special Federal Executive Council session held in honour of the former president.
The session, presided over by President Bola Tinubu, took place at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Reflecting on Buhari’s leadership style, Keyamo said the former president was “a man who led by example, walked the talk, and inspired integrity, transparency, and accountability in public office.”
In his tribute, Keyamo wrote, “The passing of late President Muhammadu Buhari has evoked different emotions across Nigeria and beyond.
“This is expected, as he was one of only two individuals in our nation’s history to govern as both a military Head of State and as a democratically-elected President. His actions and policies shaped the destinies of millions.”
He continued: “However, one consensus from both friends and critics is that Buhari served Nigeria unblemished. Whether judged harshly or kindly, there is agreement that he embodied honesty and integrity in public service.”
He praised Buhari as “a moral and ethical compass in governance,” who led with conscience, discipline, and the fear of God.
“In my immediate reaction to his death, I wrote that ‘they don’t make them like him anymore—he was not given to the primitive acquisition of wealth, was frugal, austere, and incredibly honest to the core.’”
Keyamo highlighted the late president’s decades-long career in public service, during which he was “trusted and tested” at various levels including as a Platoon Commander, Brigade Commander, GOC, Governor of the old North-Eastern Region, Minister, PTF Chairman, and President. “Yet, he was never found wanting.”
Speaking from experience, Keyamo said Buhari was a “fierce stickler for order and discipline,” never allowing personal ties to override institutional hierarchy.
“The Buhari I knew would NEVER sacrifice hierarchical order and discipline on the altar of friendships or family ties. Once a subordinate could no longer work with a superior, that person would be replaced regardless of their closeness to him,” he recalled.
Keyamo also lauded Buhari’s political journey and transformation—from a stern military ruler in the 1980s to a symbol of democratic change in 2015.
“Only a few in history have had the grace and opportunity to reinvent themselves and recraft their legacies like him. From dictator to democrat, from a serial election loser to the first opposition candidate to defeat a sitting president, and finally a statesman who handed over peacefully—this is the stuff of epic tales,” he said.
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