Don’t Judge Buhari by His 8-Year Rule Alone– Kukah

The Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Matthew Hassan Kukah, has urged Nigerians to remember Buhari as a good man, not only for his presidency.

Speaking in a telephone interview on Tuesday, July 15, Kukah said the late President Muhammadu Buhari made meaningful contributions to Nigeria.

He stressed the need for Nigerians to show compassion and reflection instead of focusing only on the controversial aspects of his 8-year civilian rule.

“I think President Buhari should be remembered as a good man,” Kukah stated. “Let’s not limit his legacy to his eight years as president. He made several contributions to this country as a military officer too.”

Kukah, who once served as Secretary-General of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, offered prayers for Buhari’s soul and called for comfort for the family left behind.

“May God grant him eternal rest, and may He console his family. Our nation is mourning. We all share this grief,” he added.

Buhari as a good man has been a point of debate following his death in London on Sunday, July 13, 2025.

He died at age 82 after a prolonged illness. His remains are currently en route to Daura, Katsina State, where he will be buried with full state honors.

Buhari served as Nigeria’s Head of State from 1983 to 1985, and later as an elected president from 2015 to 2023. His time in power drew sharp criticism over insecurity, economic struggles, and democratic backsliding.

However, tributes like Kukah’s have shifted the focus to Buhari’s lifelong service and patriotic ideals.

Kukah’s message stands in contrast to social media criticism, where many Nigerians continue to debate Buhari’s legacy.

While some praise his discipline and love for country, others point to economic hardship and rising insecurity during his administration.

Despite the mixed reactions, Kukah insists on a human, faith-centered response to Buhari’s death. “We must respect the dead and remember the good. That’s what defines us as a people,” he concluded.

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