Buhari’s death end of an era – AGF Fagbemi

By Paul Dada

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), says the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari marks the end of an era in Nigeria’s political and moral history.

Fagbemi said this  in a  statement where he highlighted Buhari’s  his significant contributions to the country’s growth and development.

According to Fagbemi, Buhari’s tenure as President witnessed landmark statutes, bold policy initiatives, and far-reaching institutional reforms.

He said these included the modernisation of correctional services, policing, anti-money laundering frameworks, asset recovery systems, federalism, electoral reform, and the deepening of good governance.

The AGF specifically highlighted Buhari’s role in the successful challenge to the $11 billion P&ID arbitral award, which was initiated during his administration and later carried forward by President Bola Tinubu.

Fagbemi also recalled Buhari’s testimony in the Mambila Hydroelectric Power Project dispute, where he selflessly agreed to serve as a witness despite his age and private life.

The statement said, “I join His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu and all people of goodwill across our nation and beyond in mourning this profound national loss.

“The passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, marks the end of an era in Nigeria’s political and moral history.

“He will be remembered with profound respect for his unwavering dedication to God and country — a man of austere values, gentle strength, unyielding integrity, and a life defined by principled service in the quest for national transformation.

“As President, the late Muhammadu Buhari made significant strides in strengthening the administration of justice and advancing law reform.

“His tenure witnessed the enactment of landmark statutes, bold policy initiatives, and far-reaching institutional reforms.

“These included the modernisation of correctional services, policing, anti-money laundering frameworks, asset recovery systems, federalism through the devolution of powers, electoral reform and the deepening of good governance.

“It was under the leadership of former President Muhammadu Buhari that Nigeria initiated the successful challenge to the $11 billion P&ID arbitral award.

“That bold and strategic effort was steadfastly carried forward by President Bola Tinubu, ultimately enabling our nation to avert a crippling financial burden.

“Even in retirement, his unwavering sense of duty to the nation never diminished.

“I vividly recall visiting him in both London and Daura when his support was once again sought to help Nigeria confront another predatory claim — this time concerning the Mambila Hydroelectric Power Project.

“Despite the demands of age and the comfort of private life, former President Buhari selflessly agreed to serve as a witness.

“In January 2025, he travelled to Paris and stood before the tribunal, bearing testimony for the country he loved with rare and steadfast conviction.

“I extend my heartfelt condolences to His Excellency President Tinubu, to the former First Lady, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, and to the family, friends and close associates of our dearly departed leader.

“Nigeria has lost a titan of principle and purpose. May his soul find eternal rest.”