The National Assembly has officially suspended all legislative activities in honour of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on Sunday in London at the age of 82.
The suspension, which takes effect immediately, was announced in a statement by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana. According to the directive from Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, all plenary sessions and committee activities will remain suspended until Tuesday, July 22.
The move, the statement noted, was made to pay solemn tribute to the legacy of a leader widely known for his integrity, discipline, and national service. Lawmakers were urged to adjust their schedules to participate in the burial ceremonies and condolence visits.
The leadership of the National Assembly extended heartfelt condolences to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Buhari family, the government and people of Katsina State, and all Nigerians mourning the loss of the former leader.
In a separate tribute, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele paid homage to both Buhari and the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, who also passed away on July 13. He described them as “towering figures of integrity and unity in Nigeria’s political and traditional history.”
Bamidele praised Buhari’s unwavering commitment to justice and democratic progress—from his days as Military Head of State (1984–1985) to his historic democratic return as President from 2015 to 2023. He lauded Buhari’s pivotal role in building a progressive political coalition that gave rise to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and ushered in a new era of democratic governance in 2015.
The senator extended condolences on behalf of the Senate and the South-West caucus to former First Lady Aisha Buhari, the Daura Emirate Council, and the Katsina State Government.
On the passing of Oba Adetona, Bamidele praised the monarch’s 65-year reign as a legacy of inclusive governance, peace-building, and non-partisan leadership. He noted the Awujale’s ability to foster national unity across religious and ethnic boundaries and described him as a “pillar of wisdom” in the Nigerian traditional institution.
The House of Representatives, in a statement signed by its spokesman Akin Rotimi, also paid tribute to Buhari’s contributions to Nigeria’s democratic journey, describing him as “a towering figure in the country’s history.”
“His passing marks the end of an era defined by national service, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to democratic development,” the statement read.
As the nation enters a period of mourning, preparations for the former president’s funeral are underway, with dignitaries and sympathisers expected to attend from across the globe.
