Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari passes away at 82. Photo courtesy: TimesLive
(The Post News)- Nigeria’s former President Muhammadu Buhari passed away at 82 in a London clinic on Sunday. According to Katsina state governor Dikko Umaru Radda, Buhari will be buried in his hometown of Daura on Tuesday.
Buhari’s rise to power began as a military ruler after a coup in the 1980s. He later transitioned to democratic politics and made history in 2015 by becoming the first Nigerian president to oust an incumbent through elections. Buhari was re-elected four years later, solidifying his position as a prominent leader.
Following Buhari’s passing, Nigerian Vice President Kashim Shettima and government officials traveled to London to arrange for the repatriation of his remains. After consulting with Buhari’s family, it was decided that his body would arrive in Nigeria on Tuesday and be buried the same day in Daura.
Tributes have poured in for the late leader, including from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Modi praised Buhari’s wisdom, warmth, and commitment to India-Nigeria friendship on the social media platform X.
Buhari built a devoted following, particularly in Nigeria’s largely Muslim north, due to his anti-corruption conviction politics. He referred to himself as a “converted democrat” and adopted a more humble leadership style, often wearing kaftans and prayer caps.Ibrahim Babangida, a former military ruler who overthrew Buhari in 1985, paid tribute to his former colleague. Babangida described Buhari as a deeply spiritual and humble man, saying that despite their differences, he never doubted Buhari’s sincerity or patriotism.
After leaving office in 2023, Buhari spent most of his time in Daura, away from the public eye. His successor, Bola Tinubu, inherited a country facing significant challenges, including double-digit inflation, foreign exchange shortages, and widespread insecurity.
Buhari’s legacy is complex, with supporters viewing him as Nigeria’s conscience due to his reputation for shunning corruption and ostentatious lifestyles. However, critics argue that he was an absentee leader who governed by delegation and was often distant, leaving long stretches without direct involvement in
governance.
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