Buhari was a symbol of integrity, He never stole public funds – Akpabio

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has extolled the virtues of former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as a leader of uncommon integrity who never misused public funds throughout his time in office.

Akpabio made the remarks on Thursday during an expanded Federal Executive Council (FEC) session held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, in honour of the former Nigerian leader.

In a glowing tribute, Akpabio, who served as Minister of Niger Delta Affairs under Buhari’s administration, said the former president’s legacy was deeply rooted in discipline, selflessness, and commitment to national development.

“President Buhari believed that discipline mattered. That integrity mattered. That leadership, even when lonely, must be anchored in something greater than power,” Akpabio said.

He stressed that Buhari did not govern with the intention of seeking applause or personal comfort but rather walked a path of conviction, often in solitude, motivated by what he termed the “ridge of national conscience.”

“Let us be honest—he was tough. He was a soldier who did not flinch under fire, a leader who did not flee from responsibility, and above all, a Nigerian whose loyalty to this nation was never up for sale,” the Senate President added.

Akpabio also emphasized that Buhari’s toughness stemmed not from pride but from patriotism and an unwavering belief that Nigeria remained worth fighting for, despite its numerous challenges.

“Whether in khaki or agbada, he remained firm in his belief that Nigeria was worth fighting for,” he concluded.

The FEC session was held as part of ongoing tributes to the former president, who led Nigeria from 2015 to 2023.