VP Shettima Stands In For Tinubu At Buhari’s First-Year Remembrance

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Monday represented President Bola Tinubu at the first-year remembrance ceremony held in honour of Nigeria’s late former President, Muhammadu Buhari, in Abuja.

According to Ireporter Online, President Tinubu was originally scheduled to attend the event as the Special Guest of Honour, but was represented by his deputy at the programme, which featured prayers and special supplications for the late statesman at the Nigerian Army International Conference Centre.

During the ceremony, Shettima conveyed the Federal Government’s goodwill and sympathies to the family of the late former president while paying tribute to Buhari’s service to the nation. A commemorative publication titled Tributes and Condolences in Honour of Muhammadu Buhari was also unveiled. The publication compiles condolence messages and tributes from world leaders, senior government officials and other distinguished personalities following Buhari’s passing.

Buhari died on July 13, 2025, at the age of 82 after a prolonged illness while receiving medical treatment in London. He served as Nigeria’s democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023, having previously ruled the country as military Head of State between 1983 and 1985.

Meanwhile, former Political Adviser to ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, Akin Osuntokun, has delivered a critical assessment of Buhari’s legacy, arguing that the late leader did not govern the country effectively despite his widespread popularity in Northern Nigeria.

Speaking during an interview on Arise Television’s Morning Show, Osuntokun maintained that Buhari’s eight years in office failed to bring meaningful improvements to the lives of ordinary Nigerians. He further contended that insecurity and ethnic divisions became more pronounced during the administration, adding that the former president was unable to transform his strong political support into policies that significantly enhanced citizens’ welfare.