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| Buhari honored at Federal Executive Council meeting |
Senate President Godswill Akpabio spoke with firm respect on July 17, 2025. He told an expanded Federal Executive Council meeting at the State House, Abuja, that former President Muhammadu Buhari never used his office to line personal pockets . Akpabio called Buhari a “spartan leader,” one whose discipline and self-restraint set him apart from those seeking comfort or acclaim.
Akpabio noted that critics of Buhari still praised his straightforward nature. He said Buhari valued duty over applause. Even under fire, Buhari never wavered from service to Nigeria. He praised the late president for steady, unflashy action in both military and civilian roles .
To back that claim, experts point to the 1977-79 Petroleum Trust Fund record. An inquiry led by Justice Ayo Irikefe found no proof that Buhari misappropriated the $2.8 billion allocated under his watch, despite claims of lapses in accounting . His tenure as PTF chair earned praise for transparency, even as critics questioned some budget choices.
Under Buhari’s 2015–23 administration, Nigeria saw its clearest anti-corruption push in decades. His chosen EFCC chair secured over 4,000 convictions and recovered nearly $500 million in misused funds in one year alone . That effort brought judges, generals, and former officials to account. It marked the first time top officers faced trial for graft.
Still, Nigeria’s overall corruption score barely budged. The country scored 26 out of 100 on Transparency International’s 2024 index, ranking 140th of 180 nations . The flat trend shows how deep-rooted graft remains. Citizens often report bribery in courts and public contracts .
Akpabio’s tribute comes as Nigerians debate Buhari’s legacy. His supporters cite quiet service and frugal living. They point to his refusal of lavish state funding for personal projects. Opponents recall lapses in public communication and gaps in anti-terror funding. Yet few accuse him of direct embezzlement .
During his two terms, Buhari cut perks for ministers and banned luxury vehicles. He froze some foreign loans over graft worries. He also championed digital procurement to limit fraud. These moves helped stall rampant misuse in key sectors .
Still, some argue the focus remained on low-level offenders. They say higher-profile figures escaped true accountability. Major arms-deal probes stalled, with critics blaming political meddling. Yet no credible evidence links Buhari himself to fund misappropriation .
Akpabio stressed that integrity matters more than showy projects. He urged leaders to follow Buhari’s example of steadfast service. He warned that true honor comes from duty, not headlines. By living a “spartan” life, Buhari left proof that public office can transcend personal gain .
That message resonates in a nation hungry for honest leadership. Nigeria faces deep economic and security challenges. Citizens want officials who resist temptation and focus on welfare. Akpabio’s words remind them that integrity can endure beyond any single term.
With Buhari’s passing, Nigerians reflect on his record. They measure his years in office by what he did not take as much as by what he gave. Akpabio’s tribute underscores a simple truth: when leaders say no to graft, they build trust in the system.
As debate continues, one fact remains clear. No solid proof ties Buhari to embezzled funds. His reputation for discipline and honesty stands affirmed by inquiry reports, anti-graft metrics, and even critics’ own words. That legacy lives on in the call for leaders who serve, not self-serve.