Nigerians remember Buhari both for his military rule marked by anti-corruption efforts and the economic struggles during his presidency.
Muhammadu Buhari: Nigeria’s Autocratic Father Figure and His Complex Legacy Passes Away
Muhammadu Buhari: Nigeria’s Autocratic Father Figure and His Complex Legacy Passes Away
Muhammadu Buhari, Nigeria’s former president, known for his austere leadership, dies at 82 in a London clinic.
Former Nigerian president and military leader Muhammadu Buhari has died at the age of 82 in a London clinic after a battle with illness. Buhari was seen as a complex figure in Nigeria's political landscape, having initially served as a military ruler before transitioning to a democratically elected president.
Buhari's health had deteriorated following a trip to the UK in April for routine medical check-ups, leading to numerous hospitalizations in recent years. Despite his background in the military, Buhari won acclaim after his historic victory in 2015. He became the first opposition candidate to unseat an incumbent since Nigeria’s return to civilian rule in 1999, garnering support by pledging to confront corruption and improve national security.
Throughout his administration, Buhari's leadership style was characterized by an austere image; he was known for his commitment to personal honesty, which earned him a respected but cautious following. However, the 2015-2023 period was also marred by economic downturns and security crises, particularly concerning the persistent threat posed by the Islamist militant group Boko Haram.
Despite his intention to foster unity and combat corruption, Buhari faced criticism for his handling of rising insecurity, especially amid clashes between farmers and herders and the ongoing banditry affecting northern regions. His administration was also accused of human rights abuses, which drew widespread condemnation both nationally and internationally.
Buhari's early life in Daura, Katsina state, shaped his disciplined approach to governance. His military career began shortly after Nigeria gained independence, eventually propelling him to positions of power, including as military governor and later as federal commissioner of petroleum and natural resources.
His military rule from 1983 to 1985 was marked by controversial anti-indiscipline measures and significant human rights abuses, which left lasting impressions on different factions of Nigerian society. After a hiatus from politics, Buhari returned to the forefront with a firm belief in multiparty democracy.
As president, he faced severe backlash over rising living costs, prominently symbolized by the surge in rice prices, which angered many supporters as basic food became unaffordable for poorer families. The moniker “Baba go slow” followed him, reflecting frustrations over the slow pace of governance during his tenure.
Despite his personal integrity, attempts to reform Nigeria’s systemic mismanagement remained largely unfulfilled. Buhari’s administration also felt the strain of declining health, leading to frequent absences that limited his capacity to execute key strategies for national progress.
Buhari's legacy will likely remain a mixture of laudable intentions to combat corruption and the deep-seated issues that persisted during his presidency. He is survived by his wife, Aisha Halilu, and ten children, leaving behind a tumultuous but historically significant chapter in Nigeria’s evolving democratic narrative.
Buhari's health had deteriorated following a trip to the UK in April for routine medical check-ups, leading to numerous hospitalizations in recent years. Despite his background in the military, Buhari won acclaim after his historic victory in 2015. He became the first opposition candidate to unseat an incumbent since Nigeria’s return to civilian rule in 1999, garnering support by pledging to confront corruption and improve national security.
Throughout his administration, Buhari's leadership style was characterized by an austere image; he was known for his commitment to personal honesty, which earned him a respected but cautious following. However, the 2015-2023 period was also marred by economic downturns and security crises, particularly concerning the persistent threat posed by the Islamist militant group Boko Haram.
Despite his intention to foster unity and combat corruption, Buhari faced criticism for his handling of rising insecurity, especially amid clashes between farmers and herders and the ongoing banditry affecting northern regions. His administration was also accused of human rights abuses, which drew widespread condemnation both nationally and internationally.
Buhari's early life in Daura, Katsina state, shaped his disciplined approach to governance. His military career began shortly after Nigeria gained independence, eventually propelling him to positions of power, including as military governor and later as federal commissioner of petroleum and natural resources.
His military rule from 1983 to 1985 was marked by controversial anti-indiscipline measures and significant human rights abuses, which left lasting impressions on different factions of Nigerian society. After a hiatus from politics, Buhari returned to the forefront with a firm belief in multiparty democracy.
As president, he faced severe backlash over rising living costs, prominently symbolized by the surge in rice prices, which angered many supporters as basic food became unaffordable for poorer families. The moniker “Baba go slow” followed him, reflecting frustrations over the slow pace of governance during his tenure.
Despite his personal integrity, attempts to reform Nigeria’s systemic mismanagement remained largely unfulfilled. Buhari’s administration also felt the strain of declining health, leading to frequent absences that limited his capacity to execute key strategies for national progress.
Buhari's legacy will likely remain a mixture of laudable intentions to combat corruption and the deep-seated issues that persisted during his presidency. He is survived by his wife, Aisha Halilu, and ten children, leaving behind a tumultuous but historically significant chapter in Nigeria’s evolving democratic narrative.
