Buhari Defended NASS Integrity – Gbajabiamila

Gbajabiamila Honors Late President Buhari, Praises His Integrity and Defense of Legislative Independence

Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, has paid a moving tribute to the late President Muhammadu Buhari, hailing him as a steadfast patriot and defender of democratic principles.

In a statement released on Wednesday in Abuja, Gbajabiamila recounted Buhari’s critical role in upholding the autonomy of the National Assembly during his tenure. He noted that despite internal pressures, Buhari consistently refused to interfere with the legislative arm, choosing instead to foster an atmosphere of mutual respect and collaboration.

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“As Speaker of the 9th House of Representatives, I witnessed firsthand the kind of leadership President Buhari provided—calm, resolute, and principled,” Gbajabiamila said. “He stood his ground during times of political turbulence and gave the legislature the breathing space it needed to innovate and function independently.”

Gbajabiamila described the late President as more than just a national leader, calling him a personal mentor and father figure whose values of integrity and accountability left a lasting impression.

“The moment I heard of his passing, I was struck with deep sorrow. It’s a loss that words can hardly describe,” he expressed. “President Buhari was a man of his word, committed not just to governance, but to the ideals of justice, loyalty, and nation-building.”

The former Speaker credited Buhari’s firm backing as a key factor in maintaining legislative stability during his time in office, allowing the 9th Assembly to pass critical reforms without fear of executive interference.

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Buhari Remembered: A Leader Who Respected Democratic Boundaries

Former President Muhammadu Buhari died on Sunday, July 13, at the age of 82, following a short illness while receiving treatment at a London hospital.

Reflecting on their time in public service together, Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, spoke of Buhari’s principled leadership and respect for the democratic process. He recalled how the former President remained resolute even when confronted with internal pressure from some within his own administration who sought to influence the legislature for political advantage.

“Despite the political games that often surrounded him, President Buhari refused to be swayed into compromising the autonomy of the National Assembly,” Gbajabiamila noted. “His steadfastness during such times preserved the integrity of our democratic institutions.”

Reflecting on his time as Speaker, he expressed deep appreciation for President Buhari’s unwavering support, especially during times when certain individuals tried to manipulate the presidency to weaken the legislature for their own political ends.

“When those tensions threatened to derail our work, I approached President Buhari directly. He made it clear that the national interest was his top priority and promised to stand with me as long as I upheld that principle.”

“He kept that promise. He stood firm against any moves to destabilize the House, creating the space for us to prioritize innovative policymaking and deliver real progress to the Nigerian people.”

He described his collaboration with Buhari as one of the most meaningful chapters of his public service journey.

“Like all leaders, President Buhari had his flaws,” he said. “A lifetime in the public eye meant his missteps were often amplified. But through it all, he remained a man of honour, a disciplined soldier, and a patriot committed to the unity of Nigeria.”

He called on citizens to honour Buhari’s legacy by embracing the ideals of service, unity, and nation-building that he championed.

“My family and I send our heartfelt condolences to Her Excellency, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, their children, and the entire Buhari family. May they find peace in his legacy—a legacy marked by resilience, grace, and a deep sense of duty.”

“To all who admired and supported him, let us carry forward the mission of building a peaceful, prosperous Nigeria. That, more than anything, is the true way to honour our tall general and noble statesman.”

He concluded with a prayer: “May Allah grant him Aljannah Firdaus and give his loved ones the strength to bear this loss.”