16/07/2025
LIBERTY NEWS EDITORIAL BUHARI: LET THE TRIBUTES COUNT, STAND FOR SOMETHING.
-Mohmood Tunde Hassan.
The passing of Nigeria's iconic former President, Muhammadu Buhari Sunday 13th July, was understandably as emotive and mournful as it was an inevitable end, like it is for all mortals.
Listening, watching and reading what many across the world and across all layers of the society, high and low, have had to say about him, a strong cord that struck, was that Buhari was an undeniable consistent moral compass, steadfast pillar of integrity, governance accountability and a patriot to the core.
Friends, foes, family and associates, all acknowledged these in their tributes, and there appeared to be a sense in which to accept that the eulogies, were thoughtful and considerate and went beyond posturing or grandstanding, merely to fit into the frenzy of the moment.
Some quick references, would put things in perspective.
António Guterres, UN Secretary-General had this to say. “Buhari was a calm force in a stormy region. His consistency made him a dependable voice on global security and African integration.”
President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana: “He was a stabilizing father-figure on the West African stage.”
Barack Obama, Former US President “President Buhari was a man of integrity. He had a very clear agenda to fight corruption and promote accountability in Nigeria.”
David Cameron, Former UK Prime Minister: “Buhari had taken bold steps to restore the confidence of the Nigerian people and international investors in governance.”
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, WTO Director-General: “Whatever one may think of Buhari politically, his personal discipline and anti-corruption stance are undeniable.”
Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, Former CBN Governor: “His legacy is the restoration of moral accountability in government.”
Olusegun Obasanjo, Former President of Nigeria: “We disagreed on policy, but no one can deny Buhari's honesty. He meant well for Nigeria.”
Ibrahim Babangida, Former President of Nigeria: "From those early days, Muhammadu stood out — quiet yet resolute, principled yet humble, deeply patriotic and fiercely loyal to Nigeria. In all circumstances, Buhari remained consistent in his belief in integrity, order, and the dignity of public office. He served Nigeria with a deep sense of responsibility and unwavering commitment, even when the road was lonely or misunderstood. A man who, even in retirement, remained a moral compass to many, and an example of modesty in public life."
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of Nigeria: “President Buhari was a pillar of integrity and patriotism. He taught us that leadership is not about showmanship, but stewardship."
M***i Mink; He was an upright man, who served his people to the best of his ability. His name was synonymous with integrity. He made me develop a much better perception of Nigerians as a people."
William Kumuyi, Spiritual Leader: “He was never after money. He lived a simple life, never changed his lifestyle, and was content with what he had.”
An unidentified roadside trader in Kano, said: “We trust Buhari. Even if he does nothing, at least he won’t steal.”
Aisha Buhari, his wife: “He lived for Nigeria. And now he rests, fulfilled, in the mercy of his Creator.”
It's all so well and good to talk and feel so glowingly about the enigmatic late President Muhammadu Buhari but it's even most compelling to let these tributes go beyond platitudes and instead, count for something, especially, for Nigeria and Nigerians.
These eulogies would make more meaning if the nation, particularly, the leadership, embraces integrity, discipline, honesty of purpose, accountability, moral rectitude and humane attributes in the conduct of governance processes and affairs.
The deluge of tributes so lavishly displayed, would count more if rather than flamboyant arrogance, fierce entitlement mentality and superfluous extravagance in the misuse of public resources, the nation imbibes Buhari's legacy of frugal and thrifty use of the public Treasury to advance the course of growth and development of the people.
These tributes would stand for something when the political class tow the path of justice, rule of law, adherence to laid down procedures, accommodation, tolerance and internal democracy in their conduct at all times and in all circumstances.
For many Nigerians, who are increasingly exhibiting diminishing confidence in the seemingly opaque untrust-worthy leadership but who so desperately, yearn for a credible leadership compass, the outpouring of tributes must translate into a recommitment to transparency, principles and consistency in conduct, character.and carriage.
These are the irreducible minimum to preserve the legacy and ideals of Muhammadu Buhari both for now and for the future, going forward.
When his passing invokes a disciplined, humane, consistent, compassionate Leadership, then the deluge of robust tributes stand for something. Anything short of that, would render and consign these tributes to mere transient words that only massage fleeting convenience of the moment but less beneficial to the existential realities of Nigerians.
That, to state bluntly, if allowed, would be a disservice to late President Muhammadu Buhari and indeed, Nigeria.
May his soul rest eternally.
