Oshiomhole Eulogises Buhari at Senate, Says We Lost a True Patriot with Heart of Gold
The Nigerian Senate on Tuesday held a solemn session in honour of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away unexpectedly on a Sunday, sending shockwaves across the nation.
During the session, Senator Adams Oshiomhole delivered a moving tribute, recalling the late president’s firm leadership, humility, and commitment to the unity of Nigeria.
Oshiomhole, a former Governor of Edo State and ex-National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), used the floor to recount personal experiences that, in his view, defined Buhari’s character and principles.
“As APC Chairman, some governors came to President Buhari with complaints and allegations against me.
Whether the claims were valid or not, the President refused to get involved,” Oshiomhole said. “He told them, ‘Matters of the party must be handled by the chairman and the party leadership.’ He respected party structures.”
He added that the governors, having failed to get Buhari’s support behind closed doors, eventually came to his office.
“One by one, they admitted the allegations were baseless. President Buhari asked them to put their complaints in writing if they were sure. He insisted on due process.”
Reflecting on Buhari’s support, Oshiomhole said, “He watched over me, stood by me, and defended me when it mattered most.”
He also recalled commissioning the Edo State University while serving as governor, during which one of the largest halls was named Muhammadu Buhari Hall in honour of the then-president.
“I’m happy we did that while he was alive. It was our way of appreciating his contributions to Nigeria’s development and unity,” he said.
Speaking emotionally, Oshiomhole described the shock of Buhari’s death. “There are no amount of tears that can explain how we feel. As young people, many of us admired his War Against Indiscipline. It proved that if leadership is firm, Nigerians will follow.”
He recounted Buhari’s frustrations with fighting corruption in a democratic environment. “He used to say, ‘Even if you catch someone with a stolen car, you can’t call him a thief you must say he’s a suspect, and then charge him to court.’ It limited his ability to act decisively, unlike in the military era.”
The senator also shared fond memories of being sent to Turkey by Buhari aboard a presidential aircraft. “Coming from a small village, I never imagined I’d be sent to represent Nigeria. That was a rare privilege,” he said.
Oshiomhole recalled Buhari’s surprise endorsement of his leadership during a visit to Edo State: “Comrade, we need you in Abuja.” That statement, he said, brought both “envy and admiration,” and ultimately led to his appointment as APC chairman.
Describing Buhari as a man with a “heart of gold,” Oshiomhole gave a revealing account of Buhari’s empathy toward military leaders.
“When I suggested that the service chiefs be replaced because they had overstayed, Buhari agreed. But he said, ‘Let’s wait until after the Easter holiday. It wouldn’t be right to sack them at such a time it might upset their families.’”
He added, “Even though Nigerians were calling for change, Buhari didn’t want to hurt those who had given their best to the nation. He was always reluctant to fire, even when he had no hesitation to hire.”
Oshiomhole concluded his tribute with a prayer: “May God, in His infinite mercy, forgive him any sin he might have committed as a human being and grant him a special place in paradise.”
His remarks drew solemn nods and applause from fellow senators, many of whom agreed that the late president’s legacy of discipline, patriotism, and empathy would remain etched in Nigeria’s history.
