The Legacy and Passing of Muhammadu Buhari: A Nation Reflects
On July
13, 2025, Nigeria bid farewell to one of its most consequential and
controversial figures, President Muhammadu
Buhari, who passed away at the age of 82.
His funeral, held in Daura, Katsina State, was both solemn and politically
symbolic, attended by dignitaries from across Africa and beyond. Yet his death
did not just mark the end of a life, it reawakened decades of debate about his
leadership, policies, and impact on Nigeria’s socio-political landscape.
From Soldier to Statesman
Buhari’s
journey to power began with military boots. In 1983, he overthrew the democratically elected
government of President Shehu Shagari, citing rampant corruption and national
decline. His military regime, though short-lived (1983–1985), was marked by:
- The War Against Indiscipline (WAI), aimed at restoring civic
responsibility.
- Economic austerity policies
that intensified public hardship.
- Controversial decrees
restricting press freedom and civil liberties.
- Attempts to kidnap exiled officials, straining international relations.