Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has passed away at the age of 82, as confirmed by his press secretary. He died in London, where he was undergoing medical treatment.
Buhari first seized power in Nigeria in 1983 via a military coup and ruled with an authoritarian government for less than two years before being ousted. He made a political comeback in 2015 when he was elected as president, becoming the first opposition candidate to win a presidential election in Nigeria. His administration was marked by a strong promise to combat corruption and address security challenges, particularly the rise of Boko Haram’s violence. However, his tenure from 2015 to 2023 was marred by significant social and economic issues, including increased insecurity and corruption.
Current President Bola Tinubu paid tribute to Buhari, depicting him as a dedicated patriot and soldier. He has dispatched the vice president to bring Buhari’s body back to Nigeria. Despite some memories of his early presidency filled with goodwill, there is a shared sentiment among Nigerians of disillusionment due to the societal divisions and issues that persisted during Buhari’s time in office, such as heightened tensions between the nation’s Muslim north and Christian south.
Political analyst Afolabi Adekaiyaoja noted that the varied reactions to Buhari’s death indicate the challenges he faced in creating a united Nigeria, especially after his administration witnessed extensive protests against police brutality, where demonstrators clashed with the military. Many feel that while Buhari aimed to eradicate extremist violence and corruption, his efforts fell short, resulting in widespread unrest and economic recession during the latter years of his government.
Buhari’s death raises questions about his complex legacy—one that reflects both his commitment to leadership in an era of Nigeria’s political turbulence and the unfinished work in healing and uniting the nation. His initial promise of reform faced significant obstacles, leaving a marked impact on Nigeria’s socio-political landscape.
In light of Buhari’s legacy, there’s hope that future leaders will learn from both his successes and failures, striving to foster unity and stability in Nigeria’s diverse society. As the nation mourns the loss of a prominent figure in its history, it opens a discussion for renewed commitment to addressing the challenges that lie ahead.
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