Buhari’s counsel still guides me — Speaker Abbas
By Kunle Sanni –
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has said that former President Muhammadu Buhari once advised him to “lead as a servant, never as a master” — a piece of counsel that continues to shape his leadership.
Abbas shared the moment of advice during a special Federal Executive Council (FEC) session held on Thursday at the State House, Abuja, in honour of the late president.
“In 2023, during a brief meeting in the United Kingdom, he warmly welcomed me following my election as Speaker. His counsel was clear: lead as a servant, never as a master. Those words, simple yet profound, have remained my compass,” he said.
Describing Buhari as a moral compass, mentor, and towering figure in Nigeria’s democratic journey, Abbas praised his personal integrity and leadership style.
“His integrity set a standard that will long outlive him. Known to millions as Mai Gaskiya, the honest one, President Buhari lived a life free from personal scandal. His simple lifestyle was not symbolic — it was sincere,” Abbas said.
He recounted how Buhari once stood under the blazing sun in Zaria to commission constituency projects, a moment he described as humbling and unforgettable.
Abbas also highlighted Buhari’s deep respect for democratic institutions and the legislature, alongside his infrastructure and economic reform efforts.
“He gave Nigeria everything he had — from the youthful strength of a young soldier to the wisdom of an elder statesman. He never clung to power. He never sought personal reward. He served, and he stepped aside when his time was up.”
