http://www.ahmadabdulkadir.com.ng/

Ahmed Abdulkadir, Katsina (2025)

05/08/2025

Strengthening Governance in Katsina: MDAs Trained on Public Communication, Data, and Digital Tools

In a drive to improve public service delivery and promote inclusive governance, a three-day capacity-building workshop was held for staff of various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in Katsina State.

The workshop, titled "Strengthening MDAs for Effective Governance for Development (G4D)", was hosted at Murjani Hotel and drew participants from across the state’s public sector.

Focusing on Communication, Data, and Governance Tools

The workshop provided a practical platform for engaging participants on core themes including:

* Public engagement
* Strategic communication
* Data collection and use
* Digital literacy for governance.

In his welcome remarks, Dr. Mustapha Shehu, Executive Secretary of Katsina State Development Management Board, noted that the objective was to equip government workers with modern tools to improve service delivery and deepen citizen participation in governance.

He emphasized that better communication and transparency would allow citizens to not only understand government activities but also offer feedback, make complaints, and contribute ideas.

Insightful Papers by Ahmed Abdulkadir

Two impactful papers were delivered by Ahmed Abdulkadir, the Board Chairman, Katsina State Radio and Television Services. His sessions provided both theory and practical examples relevant to the Nigerian context.

1. Public Engagement and Strategic Communication in Governance. This session focused on:

* Building public trust
* Crisis communication and perception management
* Communicating government policies and results
* Stakeholder engagement, especially marginalized groups

Participants learned how deliberate and planned communication can improve transparency and citizen trust in government.

2. Understanding Public Communication in Governance: Concepts, Tools, and Channels

In this session, participants explored:

* Audience segmentation
* Use of tools like radio, SMS, community forums, and social media
* Developing effective, tailored public messages
* Monitoring public feedback to inform policy and service delivery

Real-life examples from Katsina and other local contexts made the lectures highly relatable.

Other Sessions and Experts

The workshop also featured training sessions by leading professionals:

Dr. Bashir Kurfi led a session on Strategic Communication Planning, guiding participants on designing and managing public messaging within governance processes.

Dr. Aminu Aminu Mu’azu from Umaru Musa Yar’adua University presented on GovTech and E-Governance Tools, including live demonstrations on how digital systems can enhance transparency and efficiency.

Dr. Suleiman Bello, a data science lecturer and analyst, emphasized the role of data-driven governance and introduced practical tools for collecting and analyzing public service data.

Yusuf Umar Usman, a field digital strategist, spoke on Digital Fluency for Government Workers, with emphasis on how to use social media responsibly for public engagement and institutional visibility.

Perspectives from Special Guests

Two special guests of honour offered valuable insights:

Professor Saifullahi Sani Matazu, Katsina State Statistician General, stressed the role of data and statistics as foundational for development planning and policy ex*****on.

Lawal Attahiru Bakori, General Manager of Katsina State Radio, called for stronger collaboration between government officials and media practitioners. He emphasized that strategic public communication is essential in helping citizens understand, trust, and engage with government initiatives.

A Collective Commitment to Better Governance

At the end of the workshop, participants expressed gratitude for the training and pledged to apply the new strategies and tools in their daily responsibilities.

The Governance for Development (G4D) initiative continues to create platforms like this to build the capacity of public servants in Katsina and support the delivery of transparent, responsive, and accountable governance.

Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda In a drive to improve public service delivery and promote inclusive governance,...

28/07/2025

Protests Won’t Solve Banditry: A Cautionary Tale from Recent Unrest in Katsina

Insecurity continues to pose a serious challenge in parts of Katsina State. The pain and frustration of affected communities are real and valid. However, the recent spate of protests — notably in Bakori, Mairuwa, and earlier in Marabar Kankara, Kankara, and Dutsinma — raises serious concerns about how citizens choose to express their grievances.

While the Bakori protest was largely peaceful, it nonetheless saw the blocking of major roads, burning of tires on highways, and disruption of vehicular movement — actions that caused significant hardship to commuters and disrupted economic activity. Just a day later, in Mairuwa, a similar protest turned tense and tragic when a protester was reportedly shot, marking a dangerous escalation. These developments underscore the risks of allowing frustrations to spill into public disorder, no matter how genuine the grievances may be.

The Hidden Cost of Road-Blocking Protests

Across all these protest locations, a common pattern emerged: major highways were barricaded, tires were set ablaze on public roads, and innocent travelers — including traders, patients, and students — were left stranded. This kind of disruption inflicts real damage on the local economy, delays the delivery of goods and services, and deepens the suffering of ordinary people.

Moreover, such protests are vulnerable to hijack by miscreants and disgruntled elements who may use the opportunity to loot, incite violence, or settle political scores. Even peaceful intentions can quickly spiral out of control once law and order break down. This is exactly what happened in Mairuwa, where a tragic shooting occurred. No matter the cause, when protests descend into chaos, it is the common man who pays the highest price.

The Reality of Governance and Insecurity

It is important to clarify a critical point that many people overlook: state governments in Nigeria do not control the military or police. These are federally run institutions. Governors, including Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, can only support, coordinate, and supplement security operations — not command them.

Despite this constitutional limitation, Governor Radda has taken unprecedented steps to address insecurity in Katsina. When he assumed office in 2023, all 24 local government areas were affected by banditry. Today, areas such as Jibia, Batsari, Danmusa, Katsina, Batagarawa, Charanchi, Bindawa, Ingawa, Kafur, Danja, and Kusada have been largely stabilized. Other LGAs, including Malumfashi, Dutsinma, Kankia, Musawa, Bakori (until recently), Funtua, Sabuwa, and Dandume, have recorded clear improvement. Only a few areas like Faskari, Kankara, Safana, and Matazu remain volatile, and even there, government intervention is ongoing.

The Katsina Community Watch Corps: A Game-Changer

In response to the security crisis, the Radda administration established the Katsina Community Watch Corps — a first-of-its-kind initiative where local operatives work alongside the Army, Air Force, Police, and vigilantes. These personnel have local knowledge and are stationed in hard-to-reach rural communities, helping gather intelligence and repel attacks.

Over 100 Watch Corps members have been killed in active service. More than 30 police officers and several soldiers have also paid the ultimate price in the ongoing effort to protect Katsina’s people. These sacrifices are a testament to the seriousness of the government’s commitment to peace and stability.

Even while recovering from a recent accident, Governor Radda continued to receive daily security briefings from top military and intelligence officials — a clear indication of his hands-on leadership in this fight.

Support, Not Sabotage

It is disheartening that while many citizens are doing their part, others are using social media to spread falsehoods, incite fear, and provoke unrest. Most troubling is that many of these individuals are unaware that their actions may be criminal under Nigerian law. The Cybercrimes Act and other existing legislation provide penalties for those who incite violence or spread false information online. Ignorance of the law is not an excuse, and law enforcement has the right to act against such behavior.

Citizens must be cautious and responsible in what they post and share. Rather than forwarding unverified claims or fueling tension, people should report credible threats to authorities via dedicated emergency hotlines.

What Katsina Needs Now

Katsina does not need blocked roads or burning tires. It does not need emotional outbursts that can be hijacked by political or criminal actors. What Katsina needs is unity, vigilance, and continued collaboration between citizens and government.

Community leaders, youth groups, religious scholars, and traditional institutions must preach peace and patience, while also holding the government accountable through lawful and constructive channels.

Conclusion: Calm Is Not Weakness — It Is Strength

The recent protests in Bakori, Mairuwa, and elsewhere are reminders that while the people have the right to demand safety, how they demand it matters. Disrupting the peace, hurting the economy, and risking lives through uncontrolled protests do not bring about security — they worsen insecurity.

Let us honor the memory of those who have died protecting us — whether soldiers, police, or local corps members — by not tearing down the very system they gave their lives to defend. Let us strengthen, not sabotage, the structures already in place.

In the battle against banditry, disorder is not resistance — it is defeat. Let us stay calm, united, and focused. Peace is possible — but only if we all work together to build it.

Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Radda Insecurity continues to pose a serious challenge in parts of Katsina State. The pain ...

26/07/2025

Treading the Line: How to Report Security Issues on Social Media Responsibly—Without Breaking the Law

In the age of real-time news and viral content, social media has become a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it provides everyday citizens with the power to report events, expose injustice, and rally support for important causes. On the other, it opens the door for misinformation, incitement, and even legal trouble—especially when reporting sensitive issues like insecurity.

While reporting what’s happening in your community is not a crime, how you do it can make the difference between civic duty and criminal liability.

The Bakori Example: Responsible Reporting Without Instigation

In Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State, a group of concerned citizens gathered at the scene of a disturbing security incident. They weren’t armed. They didn’t chant slogans. They weren’t holding placards. What they had were smartphones—and a strong desire to draw attention to what was happening in their community.

One of them, holding his phone vertically, went live on Facebook. The tone of the video was measured. He narrated what happened, showing the roads, the mood of residents, and pleading with authorities to act. He did not insult any official. He did not call for protests. The goal was simple: raise awareness.

But what followed was not what they expected.

Later that evening, as calm began to return to the community, whispers began to circulate: someone had allegedly reported to the security forces that these young men were the ones who “organized the unrest.” That they were using social media to instigate people against the government. One of them was specifically accused of being the “mastermind.” All because he went live.

This kind of twist isn’t new. Across Nigeria, as more citizens turn to social media to report what they see or experience, the line between “civic engagement” and “instigation” has grown dangerously thin. A line that, if crossed—even unintentionally—can land a person in real trouble.

The Case of Hamdiyya Sidi Sharif: When Advocacy Backfires

In Sokoto, another sobering example unfolded in 2023. Hamdiyya Sidi Sharif, a vocal social commentator and youth advocate, took to social media to condemn a r**e incident involving a minor. Her tone was empathetic. She demanded justice for the victim and called on the authorities to prosecute the perpetrators swiftly.

But the reaction she got wasn’t justice—it was backlash.

Her advocacy was misrepresented as “mobilization against the government.” She was invited by law enforcement agents and interrogated as though she had incited unrest. Threats followed. She was cyberbullied, falsely accused of harboring political motives, and eventually forced to deactivate her Facebook account temporarily.

Hamdiyya’s case is just one of many. Her only “crime” was caring too loudly on the internet.

The Ghali Isma’il Case: A Clear Legal Breach

In July 2025, a content creator named Ghali Isma’il posted on TikTok via the handle , falsely claiming that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had died after a serious illness. The video spread rapidly online.

Security operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS) arrested him. He was arraigned in a magistrate court in Abuja on charges of:

1. Spreading fake news with the intent to cause public alarm, and

2. Inciting hatred against the government.

The court denied him bail and ordered that he be remanded in prison until the next hearing in August.

This case is a sobering reminder that social media is not a free-for-all zone. There are limits—and laws—that govern what can be said, especially when it involves national security or public order.

Other Examples Around Nigeria

In one southern city, a university student once tweeted a photo of a flooded road and tagged the state governor, asking why nothing had been done to fix the drainages. By the next morning, his post had gone viral. But it also earned him a visit from plainclothes men who accused him of trying to “embarrass the government.”

In the North-East, a school teacher posted pictures of burnt classrooms after a bandit attack. Her intention was to call for government support in rebuilding. But she received a query from her employer, warning her that her post could be interpreted as “discrediting government efforts.”

And in Bakori, as we’ve seen, a simple attempt to calm tensions and bring attention to victims of violence was almost twisted into a narrative of sabotage.

Why Does This Happen?

First, political rivalry. In highly polarized environments, any action—even one driven by concern—can be interpreted through a partisan lens. If you are known to lean toward one political camp, your every move is viewed with suspicion by the other.

Second, a lack of understanding of digital rights. While citizens have a constitutional right to freedom of expression, many are unaware of how to exercise that right responsibly, especially online. And they don't realize that the right to freedom of expression is not absolute. In other words, your right to swing your fist ends where someone else's nose begins.

Third, weak institutional tolerance for criticism. Some authorities see every complaint, no matter how polite, as a challenge to their power rather than a call for improvement.

How to Report Security Issues Without Falling into Trouble

So how do you, as a citizen, speak out without being misunderstood—or worse, criminalized?

1. Be Factual, Not Emotional

Stick to what you saw or heard. Don’t speculate. Avoid emotional language that could be interpreted as provocative. Instead of “the government has failed us,” say “residents say they need urgent help.”

2. Avoid Personal Attacks

Don’t mention officials by name unless absolutely necessary—and even then, stay respectful. Focus on the issue, not personalities.

3. Acknowledge Efforts

If authorities have made any effort—no matter how small—mention it. It shows fairness and reduces the impression of bias or sabotage.

4. Don’t Join Unlawful Gatherings

If a peaceful gathering starts to escalate—people blocking roads, confronting police—leave immediately. Even being present can be misinterpreted.

5. Document Wisely

If you record videos or go live, make sure your tone is calm and your message clear. Say upfront: “This is for awareness, not to incite anyone.”

The Law Is Watching—So Should You

Nigeria’s Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act of 2015 is very clear:

It is an offense to use digital platforms to incite violence or spread false information.

Defamation—damaging someone’s reputation without proof—is punishable.

Causing panic or public unrest through online posts, even if unintentionally, can be prosecuted.

In addition, the Criminal Code and Penal Code also prohibit statements capable of causing breach of peace or inciting disaffection against the government.

The law is not interested in your intentions; it judges your actions and the consequences. That is why digital caution is not cowardice—it is wisdom.

Final Thoughts: Speak Up, But Wisely

We must not be silent in the face of injustice or insecurity. But we must also be strategic in how we speak up. A 30-second video, if misinterpreted, can ruin years of work and reputation. A well-meaning tweet can be twisted into a legal case if not carefully worded.

Let’s build a digital culture that encourages responsible reporting, rewards truth, and respects decorum. Let us also demand tolerance and fairness from our institutions. After all, government is not above scrutiny—and citizens are not enemies of the state simply for asking questions.

If we want a better society, we must learn how to report its problems without becoming victims of our own advocacy.

Let the truth be told. But let it be told wisely.

In the age of real-time news and viral content, social media has become a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it provides everyday citizens...

26/07/2025

The Double-Edged Sword of Social Media: When Everyone Becomes a Broadcaster

One of the most revolutionary developments of our time is the emergence of social media—a space that has, for better or worse, flattened traditional hierarchies of communication. With a smartphone and an internet connection, anyone—regardless of background, age, or education—can suddenly have a voice. This voice is loud, instant, and unrestricted. Gone are the days when editors, publishers, or moderators acted as gatekeepers of public discourse. Today, the digital stage is open to all.

At first glance, this seems like a triumph for democracy. For centuries, the power to influence public opinion was concentrated in the hands of a few: scholars, journalists, politicians, and other elites. Social media has changed that. Now, a farmer in a remote village, a student in a crowded dormitory, a university dropout pretending to be an intellectual, or a market woman under a shed can publish opinions, challenge authority, or spark movements. In many ways, this has enabled marginalized voices to find expression and even organize for social change.

But this democratization of speech has a dark side—one we’re increasingly grappling with in today’s digital society.

It is only on social media that you’ll find half-literates confidently disputing experts on matters far outside their depth. It’s not uncommon to see someone with little formal education aggressively arguing against a seasoned professor on complex economic policies or medical science—not with evidence, but with ego and conspiracy theories. Or to watch teenagers—barely out of their diapers—insulting elders with no sense of decorum, simply because the platform allows it.

Worse still, social media has created a new breed of self-proclaimed "activists"—many of whom have no inkling what activism truly means. For them, activism is not about informed advocacy or principled resistance; it's about making noise, picking fights, and posturing for attention. They latch on to popular causes, align with influencers who parade themselves as champions of the masses, and support them blindly—even when those figures are obviously pursuing personal or political interests.

These pseudo-activists don't question narratives, they parrot them. They don’t read, they retweet and share. They don’t reason, they react. And if you dare to challenge their idols, question their logic, or ask for accountability, you’re likely to receive a barrage of insults—followed swiftly by a block. Their version of activism begins with provocation, thrives on rudeness, and ends with digital applause from people just as misinformed and loud as they are.

This is the crisis of our digital age: when ignorance and arrogance meet bandwidth. Social media has become a marketplace where opinions are mistaken for facts, and where popularity often overrides principle. The anonymity and lack of consequences embolden many to say what they would never dare utter in real life. And the algorithms that power these platforms reward outrage—not truth, not depth, not reflection.

Ironically, this digital anarchy thrives in societies where respect for elders, educators, and professionals was once sacrosanct. The traditional African or Asian value systems that emphasized humility and hierarchy have been flattened by the pixelated world of likes, shares, and retweets. In the past, a person had to earn the right to speak in public—through experience, wisdom, or accomplishment. Today, a clever meme or viral rant is all it takes.

Yet while it’s easy to dismiss this as a generational problem or a symptom of declining values, it actually reflects a deeper issue: a crisis of critical thinking. The solution, therefore, isn’t to silence people—after all, freedom of speech is a fundamental right—but to promote digital literacy. People must be taught not just how to use social media, but how to engage with it responsibly: to verify facts, respect expertise, understand issues in context, and know when to listen rather than speak.

And maybe—just maybe—it’s high time governments and societies took a hard look at regulating the social media space more effectively. Not necessarily to stifle free expression, but to uphold decency, curb misinformation, and enforce existing laws that are already in place to guard against hate speech, cyberbullying, defamation, and the reckless abuse of public platforms. Freedom without responsibility is chaos. And the digital space, if left unchecked, risks becoming a breeding ground for not just ignorance, but also dangerous divisions.

In conclusion, social media is a wonder of modern life—an unfiltered arena of voices, emotions, and ideas. But its greatest strength is also its biggest flaw: it gives everyone a microphone. If we want that microphone to amplify wisdom and not just noise, we must begin to reinvest in education, foster respectful discourse, and demand more from ourselves as digital citizens. Otherwise, we will continue to build a society where everyone speaks—but very few actually think.

One of the most revolutionary developments of our time is the emergence of social media—a space that has, for better or worse, f...

25/07/2025

From Spotlight to Shadows: A Sobering Lesson for Rising Stars

In a tearful interview recently aired on the “Gabon Talk Shaw,” former Kannywood actress Ummi Nuhu poured out her heart. Once a celebrated figure in the Hausa film industry, she spoke candidly about how the same world that once embraced her with open arms has now turned its back.

“I had everything a woman could dream of in the film industry. Fame. Comfort. Recognition. But now, wherever I go seeking a role, they shut me out. They say it’s because of mistakes I made in the past,” she said, struggling to hold back tears.

“I have no career outside film. My health is failing. I’ve never been married, even though I’m growing older. My life has stalled, and I am drowning in regret.”

Her words cut deep — not just because of her personal pain, but because of what they reveal about the fleeting nature of fame and the weight of unguarded choices. Hers is a powerful cautionary tale for today’s rising stars, especially those who feel invincible at the peak of their popularity.

In this digital age where podcasts, YouTube, and social media have become platforms for instant stardom, it is increasingly common to see young celebrities make audacious statements — often in defiance of tradition, decency, or even religion.

Take for example Fatima Hussaini, better known as Maryam Labarina, who recently stated in an interview that it’s not her duty to perform household chores for her husband. “I’m his princess,” she declared. “He should hire a maid. Islam didn’t make housework compulsory for the wife.”

While it is true that some Islamic scholars do not consider household chores a legal obligation for women, Islam strongly encourages humility, cooperation, and kindness between spouses. What Fatima omitted was the example of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) himself — the most honored man in Islam — who used to sweep his home, mend his clothes, and serve his family, even while leading the Ummah.

Even more striking is the story of his daughter, Fatima (RA). She once went to her father, overwhelmed by the burden of housework, and requested a servant to help her. But instead of granting her a slave, the Prophet (SAW) gave her something more lasting: a spiritual gift. He taught her to say Subhanallah 33 times, Alhamdulillah 33 times, and Allahu Akbar 34 times before sleeping. This simple but powerful dhikr, he said, would strengthen her spirit and bring her success in both this world and the next.

How striking it is that the daughter of the Prophet, who endured real hardship, was not given a helper — yet today, some expect a maid not out of necessity but as a symbol of luxury and entitlement.

Another Kannywood actress, Nafisa Abdullahi, in an earlier podcast, went even further. She said that whenever people advised her to refrain from actions that go against Islamic teachings — like uncovering her hair — she would intentionally do those things more boldly, just to prove a point.

“When they told me to stop doing certain things, that’s when I would come out and do them the most,” she said.

Such defiance may earn fleeting praise from fans or clicks online. But it raises a sobering question: what happens when the applause fades? When the trends die down, and the world — as it did with Ummi Nuhu — moves on?

This isn’t just a Nigerian phenomenon. Around the world, once-glamorous stars have suffered similar falls. In the U.S., Lindsay Lohan, a child actress who once ruled Hollywood, fell into years of legal troubles and addiction. In Ghana, Moesha Buduong, a popular socialite known for her controversial lifestyle, shocked her fans when she broke down in public, repented, and admitted she had lost her peace despite all her fame and money. In Nigeria, Cossy Orjiakor, once known for provocative roles and media appearances, publicly lamented her loneliness and regrets.

Each of these women soared — but then came crashing down, not necessarily because of talent, but because they underestimated character, modesty, and the long-term effects of their choices.

Today’s social media environment rewards boldness — not necessarily wisdom. The more shocking a statement, the more attention it gets. But attention is not legacy, and viral fame is not divine favor.

Ummi Nuhu’s story is a mirror. It reflects what happens when youthful arrogance meets the consequences of time. It reminds us that no matter how high you rise, you must plant your feet in values that last longer than applause.

So, to the upcoming stars, influencers, and young women navigating fame: be bold — but also be wise. Speak — but speak with knowledge. Express yourself — but not at the expense of truth and modesty. Know that fame is like mist — dazzling in the morning, but gone by noon.

And most importantly, remember the words of the Prophet (SAW), and the lesson he gave his own daughter: the path to true peace is not through slaves, status, or stubborn pride — but through remembrance of Allah, humility, and service to others.

Because long after the fans leave and the spotlight dims, it is only these values that will remain — and carry you home.

Ummi Nuhu, then and now In a tearful interview recently aired on the “Gabon Talk Shaw,” former Kannywood actress Ummi Nuh...

23/07/2025

When a Man Seeks Forgiveness: On Buhari, Wrongs, and the Weight of Conscience

In the weeks since the passing of Nigeria’s former President, Muhammadu Buhari, a familiar refrain continues to echo across social media, public spaces, and political circles:

“He wronged us, and he never asked for forgiveness.”

For some, this statement is a cry born of deep disillusionment. For others, it is a means of venting long-harbored frustrations. But for those of us who care about justice, fairness, and faith, it is worth pausing to ask: is this the whole truth?

As Muslims—and indeed as moral beings—we must interrogate such claims not only with emotion, but with the guiding principles of Islam, justice, repentance, and forgiveness.

Was Buhari Ever Found Guilty?

Let’s start with a foundational principle of justice:
Innocence is presumed until guilt is proven.

In both Islamic jurisprudence and worldly law, a person cannot be condemned based on accusation alone. The burden of proof lies on the accuser.

Yes, many Nigerians felt disappointed under Buhari’s leadership. Yes, many believe he could have done more. But leadership is never simple. Governance in a country as complex and divided as Nigeria is fraught with limitations. Can we point to any action of deliberate, personal injustice that was legally or religiously established as a wrong?

If not, then the entire argument begins on unstable ground.

But Did Buhari Ever Seek Forgiveness?

Yes, he did.

In one of his last public messages before his death, President Muhammadu Buhari appeared in a video where he humbly asked Nigerians to forgive him for any wrongs he might have committed in the course of his leadership. He admitted his human limitations and acknowledged that, though he tried to serve to the best of his ability, he may not have satisfied everyone.

This is not something we often see from world leaders. It is a significant act of humility.

More strikingly, Buhari left a personal instruction to his wife, Aisha Buhari, asking her to seek forgiveness from Nigerians on his behalf—especially from those who felt hurt or wronged by him.

That is not the language of a man who refuses accountability. It is the act of a man preparing for his meeting with his Lord.

What Does Islam Say About This?

Some have cited the (weak) hadith:

“If your brother offers an excuse to you, and you do not accept it, then you are like the one who unjustly collects tax.”

While scholars like Imam Nawawi and Sheikh Albani classify this hadith as weak, its broader message is supported by other sound teachings. More importantly, scholars have clarified that this mercy is conditional: it applies when the wrongdoer has repented sincerely, sought forgiveness, and tried to restore justice.

Let’s re-examine Buhari’s case:

✅ Did he show signs of remorse? Yes.
✅ Did he explicitly seek forgiveness? Yes.
✅ Did he try to make peace, even through his wife? Yes.

So what more do we expect from a mortal man?

The Dead and the Dignity of Silence

Islam teaches us not to speak ill of the dead, especially those who have returned to their Lord after seeking forgiveness. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

“Do not abuse the dead, for they have reached the result of what they put forward.”
(Bukhari: 1393)

Another narration instructs:

"Mention the good things about your dead and refrain from their bad." (Tirmidhi)

In other words, when someone dies, their case is now in the hands of Allah. The time for human judgment is over. If they wronged you, Allah will take up your case. If they sought forgiveness, as Buhari clearly did, then we should hope Allah accepts it—and we should not stand in the way of mercy.

Leadership is a Heavy Trust

Every leader will offend someone. That is the nature of leadership. Buhari, like every mortal before him, had strengths and flaws. But we must remember:

He did not hold onto power for life.

He handed over peacefully.

He did not spend his final moments defending himself with arrogance.

He sought forgiveness, from Allah and from us.

Conclusion: Mercy Over Vengeance

The Qur’an says:

“And let not the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just—that is nearer to righteousness.”
(Qur’an 5:8)

Let us not allow politics, pain, or personal expectations blind us to truth. When a man stretches his hand in regret, it is not strength to keep ours folded in anger.

We may disagree with his policies. We may wish things were different. But if we believe in Allah, then we must also believe in His mercy—and let go of the grudges that hold our hearts hostage.

May Allah forgive Muhammadu Buhari. May He forgive us all.
Ameen.

Late President Muhammadu Buhari In the months since the passing of Nigeria’s former President, Muhammadu Buhari, a familiar ref...

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