- Former presidential spokesman Femi Adesina has commemorated what would have been the 83rd birthday of late President Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as a leader defined by discipline, frugality, and rare integrity.
- Adesina cited testimonies from senior officials, including former NNPC GMD Mele Kyari, to reinforce Buhari’s long-held reputation as Mai Gaskiya a man who never interfered for favors or touched public funds despite holding powerful offices.
Former presidential spokesman Femi Adesina has shared a touching tribute to mark what would have been the 83rd birthday of the late President Muhammadu Buhari today, December 17, 2025.
Buhari, who passed away on July 13, 2025, was widely known in Northern Nigeria as “Mai Gaskiya” (the honest one). In a lengthy commemorative article, Adesina explained that this reputation was built on Buhari’s lifelong refusal to touch public funds, despite holding powerful positions like Minister of Petroleum, Governor, and President.
Adesina recalled a specific conversation with Mele Kyari, the former Group Managing Director of the NNPC, during the signing of the Petroleum Industry Bill. According to Adesina, Kyari affirmed Buhari’s unique integrity:
“He has never sent a note to me through anyone that I should do that person a favor, or give money. An amazing person.”
Adesina emphasized that many heads of government agencies shared similar experiences, describing the late leader as “simply incorruptible”. He noted:
“And that was how he was all his life. He would never touch public money, despite all the positions he held. No wonder the average northerner dubbed him Mai Gaskiya (the honest one). He was frugal to a fault. Simply incorruptible,”.
Adesina concluded by reflecting on Buhari’s legacy of discipline and integrity, noting that for those who believed in him, the late President’s character remains a source of pride for Nigeria.
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