By Abbas Nazil
Tributes have continued to pour in from across the world following the passing of Nigeria’s former President, General Muhammadu Buhari, with global leaders remembering him as a man of discipline, integrity, and unwavering commitment to national and continental progress.
Buhari, who died on July 13, 2025, is being honored not only for his leadership within Nigeria but also for the steady influence he exerted across Africa and on the international stage.
Former United States President Barack Obama described Buhari as “a man of integrity” with “a very clear agenda to fight corruption and promote accountability in Nigeria.”
Obama’s words reflect the consistent international view of Buhari as a strong advocate for transparent governance, especially during his two-term presidency from 2015 to 2023, and earlier as Head of State between 1983 and 1985.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres hailed Buhari as “a calm force in a stormy region,” emphasizing that his consistent approach to diplomacy and policy made him “a dependable voice on global security and African integration.”
Guterres’ comments point to Buhari’s active participation in multilateral affairs, especially around issues such as counter-terrorism, migration, and regional cooperation in West Africa.
David Cameron, the former UK Prime Minister, also paid tribute to Buhari’s leadership, noting that “Buhari has taken bold steps to restore the confidence of the Nigerian people and international investors in governance.”
Cameron’s remarks echo the sentiment in global economic circles during Buhari’s administration, where his tough anti-corruption stance, though controversial, was seen as a necessary step toward rebuilding Nigeria’s institutional credibility.
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director-General of the World Trade Organization, acknowledged both the admiration and criticism Buhari attracted during his lifetime but stressed the strength of his personal character.
“Whatever one may think of Buhari politically, his personal discipline and anti-corruption stance are undeniable,” she said, highlighting his no-nonsense reputation that shaped Nigeria’s policy direction during critical economic periods.
From within the continent, tributes have been equally heartfelt. Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo remembered him as “a friend to Ghana, and a stabilizing father-figure on the West African stage.”
Buhari was known for his involvement in ECOWAS affairs and his quiet but firm diplomatic interventions that helped shape regional peace processes.
As tributes continue to flow in from heads of state, international institutions, and civil society groups, one message rings clear — Buhari’s legacy, defined by integrity, austerity, and commitment to public service, left an imprint beyond Nigeria’s borders.
In an era marked by shifting global alliances and political instability, Buhari is being remembered as a steady hand in turbulent times.
