14/07/2025
Hero or Villain: Buhari’s Death And The Debate on His Legacy
Nigeria was thrown into mourning on Sunday afternoon, July 13, 2025, following the passing of former President, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, at age 82.
The late President Buhari was described as a man of integrity, a patriot, mentor, and leader who left an indelible mark on the political trajectory of Nigeria, both as a military Head of State and a civilian President.
Hate him or love him, he lived a fulfilled life. Born on December 17, 1942, in Daura, Katsina State, he held several key positions:
Platoon Commander, Second Infantry Battalion, Abeokuta (1963–1964)
Brigade Major, Second Sector, First Infantry Division during the Nigerian Civil War (1967)
Military Governor, North-Eastern State (1975)
Federal Commissioner for Petroleum and Natural Resources (1976)
Chairman, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) (1976–1978)
Military Head of State (1983–1985)
Returned to democracy as President (2015–2023)
Like every mortal, he could not escape human judgment.
While many mourn his death and reflect on his achievements:
The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Lagos-Ibadan Railway, Second Niger Bridge, Itakpe-Warri Railway, Lekki Deep Seaport, Zungeru and Kashimbila Power Plants, dry ports in Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, and Ibadan, the Petroleum Industry Act, the anti-corruption war, among many others.
Others, however, remember for being despotic:
The killing of thousands of Shiite members in Kaduna
The ban on food importation which contributed to inflation
The Lekki Tollgate shooting
Allegations of human rights abuses
The Naira redesign policy, and others
My final take:
Death is a debt that must be repaid by all living beings, and God will judge everyone according to their deeds.
Death must not erase truth.
While it is expected to mourn the dead, we must not impel others into artificial grieving.
If you want sympathy, you must be empathetic.
If you want kindness, you must sow goodness.
If you want to be loved, you must be benevolent.
How you treat others when in power will shape how they treat you in your absence.
Vox populi, Vox Dei!
Danladi Jimoh
Public Affairs Commentator
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