Nigeria’s former president Buhari laid to rest in his hometown of Daura
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Mourners gather in Daura to bid farewell to Nigeria’s former president Muhammadu Buhari during his burial procession.
Nigeria’s former president Buhari laid to rest in his hometown of Daura
Nation bids farewell to a controversial leader
Nigeria’s former president Muhammadu Buhari was laid to rest on Tuesday in his hometown of Daura, in the country’s northwestern Katsina State. Thousands of mourners lined the streets, waving flags and offering prayers as his body arrived from London, where he died two days earlier while receiving medical treatment.
The solemn burial ceremony was attended by top government officials, religious leaders, and members of the public. Current President Bola Tinubu described Buhari as “a patriot, a soldier, a statesman . to the very core.” Tinubu dispatched Vice President Kashim Shettima to London to oversee the return of the late leader’s body.
A legacy of highs and lows
Buhari’s political career spanned more than four decades and left a lasting, if complex, legacy. He first seized power in 1983 through a military coup, leading Nigeria with an iron hand until he was ousted in 1985. During his brief military rule, he was known for his “War Against Indiscipline” campaign, a harsh anti-corruption drive that often drew criticism for human rights violations.
After years out of power, Buhari re-emerged as a civilian politician. In 2015, he made history by becoming the first opposition candidate to win a presidential election in Nigeria, defeating then-incumbent Goodluck Jonathan. The victory was seen as a turning point for Nigerian democracy, and Buhari was hailed by many as a reformer.
Unmet promises and mounting frustration
Buhari came into office promising to stamp out corruption, restore security, and revive the economy. However, as his two term presidency progressed, public frustration grew. The country remained plagued by violent insurgency in the northeast, where Boko Haram and its offshoot, ISWAP, continued to terrorize communities.
In the oil rich Niger Delta, armed militants frequently sabotaged infrastructure, leading to production disruptions and a sharp drop in government revenue. These challenges contributed to Nigeria slipping into recession during his presidency. The naira lost significant value, inflation soared, and foreign investors fled amid fears of policy unpredictability.
Tensions with civil society
Buhari’s administration also faced widespread criticism over its handling of civil unrest. In 2020, the #EndSARS protests led by Nigerian youth demanding the disbandment of a notoriously brutal police unit ended in tragedy when soldiers opened fire on peaceful demonstrators at the Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos.
His government’s decision to restrict access to social media platforms like Twitter, which protesters used to organize, further stoked public anger. Many accused him of suppressing free speech and undermining Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
Health issues and prolonged absences
Throughout his presidency, Buhari frequently traveled abroad for medical treatment, often without fully disclosing his condition. These extended absences raised concerns about transparency and governance. Critics questioned why a leader who campaigned on promises of reform relied on foreign healthcare while millions of Nigerians struggled with failing medical infrastructure at home.
Despite these challenges, Buhari retained loyal supporters, particularly in the north, where he was seen as a symbol of discipline and anti-corruption. But nationwide, the mood at the end of his tenure was far more divided than when he took office.
A farewell marked by mixed emotions
As Buhari was laid to rest, many Nigerians reflected on his time in power with mixed emotions. Some mourned the loss of a leader who, despite his flaws, brought military discipline to politics and resisted pressures to cling to power beyond his constitutional term. Others recalled the missed opportunities, unmet promises, and deep divisions that marked his rule.
In Daura, his final resting place, people gathered to pay their last respects, offering prayers and sharing memories. National flags were flown at half-staff as radio stations aired tributes.
For many, Buhari’s burial closed a significant chapter in Nigeria’s political history one that will be debated for years to come.
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