The Nigerian Senate will on Wednesday, July 23, hold a special session to pay tribute to the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away in London on July 13 after a prolonged illness.
Announcing the development during Tuesday’s plenary, Senate President Godswill Akpabio said the session will reflect on the late leader’s legacy, governance style, and contributions to national development.
“We shall honour the memory of our former President, Muhammadu Buhari, in a special session tomorrow,” Akpabio told lawmakers. “It is important that we reflect on the role he played in our nation’s history, both as a military and civilian leader.”
The planned tribute in the Red Chamber follows a similar session held by the Federal Executive Council last week. During that session, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu described Buhari as a leader who governed “with dignity and restraint,” adding that he bore the weight of leadership with “stoic calm and patriotism.”
Buhari, a native of Daura in Katsina State, served as Nigeria’s President from 2015 to 2023 and earlier ruled as military head of state between 1983 and 1985. He was buried in his hometown last week in a funeral attended by dignitaries from within and outside the country.
Senate Denies Approving New States
Meanwhile, Senate President Akpabio has debunked viral reports suggesting that the National Assembly has approved the creation of new states.
Addressing the rumours during the same plenary, Akpabio said: “I have seen over 42 proposals for state creation, but not one has gone through the full process. The procedure is quite rigorous, and no such approval has been made.
His clarification came in response to a motion raised by Senator Abdul Ningi, who expressed concern that misleading social media reports had prompted some communities to begin organizing meetings in anticipation of new state status.
Akpabio urged Nigerians to disregard unverified claims and assured that any constitutional amendment, especially on state creation, would follow due legislative procedures and wide consultation.