The Death of Muhammadu Buhari: A Controversial Legacy and How Nigerians Reacted — A Lesson for Posterity

 

The Death of Muhammadu Buhari: A Controversial Legacy and How Nigerians Reacted — A Lesson for Posterity

By Daniel Okonkwo

The passing of former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has evoked a wide range of reactions across the nation. For some, it is a time of mourning for a former military leader and two-time head of state. For others, it has reopened long-standing wounds stemming from his policies, style of governance, and their impact on national life. These mixed reactions speak to the deep divide in how Nigerians experienced his leadership—and the lessons it leaves behind.

When Buhari assumed democratic office in 2015, he cited a long list of challenges: a distressed economy, decaying infrastructure, overwhelming national debt, and widespread insecurity. “Corruption and impunity were the order of the day,” he said at the time. “In short, we inherited a state near collapse.”

His emergence marked a historical shift—he became the first opposition candidate to defeat an incumbent president since Nigeria's independence. Many Nigerians, hopeful for a new era of discipline and reform, welcomed his return to leadership. But by the end of his second term in 2023, public sentiment had become far more skeptical. The promise of reform, for many, had not translated into measurable improvements.

A defining episode of Buhari’s presidency occurred on October 20, 2020, during the #EndSARS protests, when Nigerian soldiers reportedly opened fire on unarmed protesters at the Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos. The demonstrators, led by youth across the country, had called for the disbandment of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), a police unit widely accused of human rights abuses.

Human rights organizations reported fatalities at the scene, but the President’s national address in the aftermath did not acknowledge the incident directly. Instead, protesters were labeled “rioters” and warned against disrupting the national order. This deepened public disillusionment, particularly among the youth.

Subsequently, tensions escalated when Twitter removed a post from the President’s account, citing a violation of its policies. The Nigerian government responded by suspending access to the platform for seven months—drawing both domestic and international criticism over freedom of expression.

Buhari’s leadership style, often described as uncompromising, drew criticism from civil society groups, opposition parties, and international observers. His administration’s response to dissent was seen by many as heavy-handed, notably in the 2019 courtroom incident involving activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, who was rearrested by security agents during ongoing legal proceedings.

Another policy decision that generated widespread debate was the closure of Nigeria’s land borders in 2019. Intended to stimulate local production and reduce smuggling, the move inadvertently contributed to inflation and supply chain disruptions—impacts still felt in many households today.

Buhari’s early military regime (1983–1985) also left an indelible mark. His campaign against indiscipline, while lauded by some for promoting order, was criticized for its harsh enforcement methods. Civil servants were publicly punished for lateness, media freedom was curtailed, and military tribunals handed down severe penalties for offenses. Renowned Nigerian writer and Nobel laureate once described that era as one marked by “glorified humiliation.”

A major pledge of Buhari’s administration was to defeat Boko Haram and restore national security. While government sources frequently claimed the extremist group had been "technically defeated," security challenges persisted—and in some areas, escalated. Armed groups expanded beyond the northeast, with attacks recorded in north-central and northwestern regions. A symbolic low point was the 2022 bombing of a passenger train en route to Kaduna from Abuja, which resulted in multiple casualties and abductions.

Buhari’s death abroad once again brought national attention to Nigeria’s struggling healthcare system. His body was flown back from London, accompanied by Vice President Kashim Shettima—a situation many citizens viewed as a stark reminder of the country's lack of well-equipped, internationally accredited medical facilities. It reignited calls for urgent investment in local infrastructure and public services.

The Buhari years will likely remain one of the most debated eras in Nigeria’s democratic journey. His legacy—marked by bold intentions, rigid discipline, and controversial policies—will be interpreted differently by different generations. While some may remember him as a leader committed to order and anti-corruption, others will reflect on an era that saw democratic values tested, and economic conditions worsen for everyday citizens.

A Note to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu: The Moment to Define Your Legacy

Mr. President, this is a crucial moment—not just for your administration, but for the nation. The path forward offers a unique opportunity to redefine leadership in Nigeria, to close the gap between governance and the governed, and to unite the country through inclusive action.

You are widely recognized as one of the most successful politicians of your generation. But true greatness lies not in wealth or power, but in legacy. Nigerians are not asking for miracles—they are asking for policies that work, leadership that listens, and a government that truly serves its people.

This is the time to turn promises into action. The economic hardship being endured by ordinary Nigerians is profound. Inflation has soared. The removal of fuel subsidies, though supported by economic logic, has increased the cost of living drastically. Nigerians feel the weight of these reforms every day.

The cost of governance remains unsustainable. Lawmakers earn significantly more than the average citizen—a disparity that fuels distrust. Many within the system will not confront these truths because they benefit from the status quo. But a leader who seeks true reform must listen not only to praise-singers but also to the suffering voices on the street.

You made commitments about electricity, about jobs, and inclusive governance. These promises must not go unfulfilled. Let Nigerians see and feel your impact, not in speeches, but in daily reality.

Let your legacy be built not by rewriting history, but by making history—by reducing the cost of governance, improving infrastructure, strengthening the economy, and promoting justice and equity. The late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua is still remembered fondly because he led with sincerity, humility, and fairness. His short time in office left a lasting impression because he put Nigeria first.

Mr. President, you have the chance to do even more. The time is now.

 

May the soul of the former President rest in eternal peace.

Daniel Okonkwo is a seasoned writer, human rights advocate, and public affairs analyst. He is known for his thought-provoking articles on governance, justice, and social equity. Through Profile International Human Rights Advocate, he continues to spotlight issues affecting Nigeria and beyond, amplifying voices that demand accountability and reform.