DDM – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described late former President Muhammadu Buhari as a leader who genuinely loved Nigeria and left behind what he called an admirable legacy of discipline, integrity, and public service.
Tinubu made the remarks at the public presentation of Buhari’s official biography, an event attended by top political figures, former government officials, diplomats, scholars, and members of Buhari’s immediate and extended family.
Speaking at the gathering, the president said Buhari’s life represented a deep sense of national duty, personal sacrifice, and commitment to public service, stressing that his leadership was guided by strong moral convictions.
Tinubu noted that Buhari’s personal discipline and modest lifestyle shaped his approach to governance, both as a military head of state in the mid-1980s and later as a democratically elected president between 2015 and 2023.
According to him, Buhari consistently believed that public office was a trust bestowed by the people, not a pathway to personal enrichment or political luxury.
The president acknowledged that Buhari’s time in office generated intense debate across the country, but argued that leadership in Nigeria must always be evaluated within the context of complex national challenges.
Buhari first came to national prominence as a military officer before leading a coup in 1983 that removed a civilian government, an era remembered for strict discipline and the controversial War Against Indiscipline programme.
Following his removal from power in 1985, Buhari spent decades in public life, later transitioning into democratic politics and contesting several presidential elections before finally winning in 2015.
His victory marked a historic moment in Nigeria’s democracy, as it was the first time an incumbent president was defeated at the polls.
During his eight years in office, Buhari’s administration focused heavily on anti-corruption campaigns, security operations against insurgency and banditry, and economic reforms that often divided public opinion.
Supporters frequently praised his personal integrity, frugality, and perceived sincerity, presenting him as a sharp contrast to Nigeria’s long history of political excess and corruption.
Critics, however, have continued to point to economic hardship, rising unemployment, currency instability, fuel subsidy controversies, and worsening insecurity in parts of the country under his leadership.
There were also persistent concerns raised by human rights groups regarding the conduct of security agencies during counter-insurgency operations.
These contrasting views have continued to shape national conversations about Buhari’s legacy, making Tinubu’s tribute both symbolic and controversial.
DDM observed that the biography launch has reopened public debate about leadership standards, accountability, and how history should judge political leaders after leaving office.
Tinubu urged Nigerians, particularly the youth, to look beyond partisan arguments and study Buhari’s life through a broader historical lens.
He described the biography as an important national record that documents Buhari’s journey from a young military officer to one of the most influential figures in Nigeria’s post-independence history.
As Nigeria continues to face economic reforms, political realignments, and social pressures, Buhari’s record remains a subject of intense national scrutiny.
Whether viewed as a disciplined patriot or a leader whose policies fell short of expectations, Buhari’s impact on Nigeria’s political history remains significant and enduring.
