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Quest For Enduring Democracy in Nigeria

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Quest For Enduring Democracy in Nigeria
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By Ehidiamen Isibor

The term “Democracy” is derived from two Greek words “demo” (people) and “kratos” (rule). Meaning, democracy is a form of Government where everybody has the right to take up representative role in positions of authority in a society.

This form of government is preferable globally because of the advantages that are inherent in it which includes: decent standard of living, housing, healthcare, education, equality of persons, freedom of expression and other fundamental rights associated with the concept.

The beginning of democracy in Nigeria can be traced to the early years of independent Nigeria, particularly, the first republic.

Even though Nigeria acquired Republican status in 1963, the first republic in Nigeria began on the 1st of October, 1960 and came to an end on the 15th of January, 1966. Before the commencement of the first republic, structures had been put in place in the course of the late 1950s which ensured that Nigeria adopted the “Westminster” model of parliamentary democracy. Elections were held in December 1959 which ushered in the first republic in which the NPC and NCNC formed a coalition which led to the emergence of Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa as Prime minister and Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe as governor general and later on, as President. From the second year of Nigeria’s independence, there was massive instability and unrest that lasted till the 13th of January 1966 when a military coup led by Major Chukwuma Nzeogwu toppled and overthrew the democratically elected government and thus, ending the first republic of Nigeria.

Nigeria was sitting on thin ice, characterized by religious divisions and polarized by governing coalitions that drew their power either from the Christian south of the Muslim north; it was a matter of time that a civil war ripped the country apart from 1967 until 1970. Then, in the ensuing years, civil war turned into failed government after failed government. A few privileged took advantage of the situation, Nigeria was country rich for exploit, with oil profits to pad many pockets. However, such corruption fueled many coups and led to even more unrest. As a result, Nigeria was far from democratic for the first four decades of its existence. Not many thought that the vicious cycle could ever end until October 1979 when Democracy was, once again, restored, thus, announcing the second republic.

The general elections held in August 1979 were won by the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) consequent upon which Alhaji Shehu Shagari became the president. Soon enough, corruption allegations were in constant increase against the government and thus producing tension and unrest in the country until finally the democratically elected government was again overthrown by a military coup which ensured that Major General Muhammadu Buhari became the military leader in on the 31st of December, 1983.

The third republic which was fraught with some bit of drama, was aborted prematurely. The elections which held on the 12th of June, 1993 was won by Moshood Kashimawo Abiola, known as MKO Abiola. However, Democracy was not allowed to have its way as Ibrahim Babangida, the then incumbent military leader annulled the elections, hence aborting the Third Republic.

Democracy took a completely different turn in Nigeria from 1999 till date. After the death of the military dictator, General Sani Abacha in 1998, General Abdusalami Abubakar who took over governance from him is known to have worked out Nigeria’s return to Democracy or Democratic rule. The election that was conducted in April 1999 ensured that the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) won as a result of which former military leader, Olusegun Obasanjo was sworn in as the President and Commander in Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in May 1999. Obasanjo also won the April 13th, 2003 elections and ruled for another term as provided by the constitution. In the 21st, April 2007 elections, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua of the People’s Democratic Party was elected and sworn in. However, things took a little bit of a different turn when Yar’Adua died on the 5th of May 2010 and Goodluck Jonathan was sworn in, in his place. Jonathan completed Yar’Adua’s term and also won the 16th of April 2011 elections with 22,495187 votes. Powers, however, changed hands in Nigeria’s Democratic rule in the 28, March 2015 elections which when the All Progressives Congress (APC) won the elections and thus, former military leader, Muhammadu Buhari was sworn in.

In the annals of democratic evolution in Nigeria, June 12 has been a recurring decimal in the debate on how best to remember the struggle which led to the return of democracy on May 29, 1999 and the roles played by the democracy icons and activists, the most prominent being the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO)

June 12 1993 is believed to be a watershed in Nigeria’s history. Some leaders, which came to power after the botched June 12, 1993 presidential election, which was won by the late Chief Moshood Abiola, popularly known as MKO, had tried to wish away that date, but the date has survived political suppression over the years. The June 12 presidential poll was adjudged the freest and the fairest in the history of elections in the country.

However, 25 years later, precisely June 8, 2018, President Muhammadu Buhari took a bold step by proposing to recognise June 12 as the nation’s Democracy Day as against the May 29 date that had been celebrated since 1999.

Following Buhari’s pronouncement, the Senate, on May 16, 2019, passed the Public Holiday Act Amendment Bill to recognise June 12 as the new Democracy Day. This enactment is symbolic and instructive.

The June 12 struggle started in 1993 immediately after the presidential poll won by MKO was annulled by the Gen Ibrahim Babangida-led military junta. The annulment of the election immediately precipitated political crisis, which was driven by mass protests organised and coordinated by the pro-democracy activists whose goals were to end military dictatorship and to ensure a thorough democratisation of the polity and all aspects of the national life.

MKO Abiola, who was the flag bearer for Social Democratic Party, had defeated Bashir Tofar, who was the presidential candidate of the National Republican Convention, to the chagrin of some vested interest in and out of government. The result of the election was annulled by the military junta and the battle to actualise the mandate kicked off but not without its attendant human carnage and wanton destruction of property.

Tried as they could, democrats and political activists, who led mass revolt struggles to reverse the annulment during the brief Interim National Government of Chief Ernest Shonekan between August and November 1993, did not succeed. The late dictator, Gen Sani Abacha, who eased out Shonekan and inherited the June 12 campaign sustained the junta’s resolve not to reverse the annulment.

The Abacha five-year junta, was the high point of the struggle as some activists, including the symbol of the June 12 struggle, MKO Abiola, ended up being imprisoned , while others were either assassinated or forced to go on exile through what was then known as the ‘NADECO Route’.

Abacha’s regime ended abruptly in 1998 due to the dictator’s controversial and sudden death which paved the way for AbdulSalam Abubakar who handed over power to Olusegun Obasanjo on May 29, 1999.

After 20 years of uninterrupted democratic governance, Muhammadu Buhari takes oath of office for a second four-year term as president of Nigeria following his victory as flag bearer of the All Peoples Congress (APC) over Atiku Abubarka of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the February, 23rd 2919 presidential election. 

However, beyond the celebration, we need to reflect on some factors bedeviling the evolution of true and enduring democracy in Nigeria. Some of these factors include but not limited to high level of corruption, poverty, decay infrastructure, unemployment, insecurity and other irregularities.

ELECTORAL UNPIRES AND ELECTIONS:

Elections allow the participation of citizens to choose among contestants in various political parties for political offices. Nigeria elections are conducted by the Electoral Commission that lacks institutional and administrative autonomy as fund is being released by the Federal Government. This led to the power Ibrahim Babangida had to annul June 12 presidential election in 1993. However, since 1999, the Independent National Electoral Commission cannot be said to be independent due to weak institutionalisation, and political interference.

Since 1999, INEC is composed by/with the Federal Government appointment. This makes manipulation very easy by the Presidency and makes their removal possible base on flimsy excuses which was what happened to Humphrey Nwosu in 1993 following the Babangida’s decision to annul June 12 election but was contrary to the commission’s position.  This makes the capability of the electoral body so constrain. Since the Federal Government appoints those persons at their will, it further makes the commission filled with people without professional competence to lead the body. Maurice Iwu, the former Chairman of INEC who was removed by Goodluck Ebele Jonathan in April 2010 after irregularities in 2007 election had no professional experience in electoral management.

Also, most ad hoc staff use by INEC yearly are often trained a day about what conducting election entails and after failed electoral processes, the body blames the temporary workers instead of accepting their irregularities. Over the years, INEC has failed to organise an election that every Nigerians will applaud its credibility. The INEC has been able to hold five consecutive elections without military intervention in 1999, 2003, 2007, 2011 and 2015. The results of 1999 presidential election which brought Olusegun Obasanjo over Olu Falae where the former had 62.78% over the later who had 37.22% were challenged and even local and international observers including the Transition Monitoring Group, the International Republican Institute and the EU attested to the incredibility. Notwithstanding, Abubakar handed over to Obasanjo.

 POLITICS AND CORRUPTION:

Since 1998/1999, there had been men who always want to have their personal interests met through briefcases and they disappear from their constituents and constituency after elections. True, democracy has been buried in the last 20 years of democratic governance as there was/is no difference between the PDP, APC and every other political parties. The players of the game prioritise their survival and aim of remaining relevant when things are not going fine. A typical example is Olusegun Obasanjo; an emergency activist whose recent love is open letters to government in power. Meanwhile, the statesman had forgotten that he had all he could to perfect change as a military ruler and again, as a civilian president. Despite, countless number of political parties in the country, only two or three of the parties are dominating the political atmosphere. In fact, with several parties merging together every year and it is becoming clearer to the people that Nigeria is heading towards a two-party system; the rulling party and a strong opposition.

NATIONAL INSECURITY:

The level of insurgence in Nigeria over the years is disheartening despite the huge budgetary amount on security yearly. Nigeria has become a country with kidnapping and terrorism as norms. While the militants continue to burst oil pipes and kidnap in the south east, the Boko Haram have become owners of various territory in the northern part and the herdsmen continue to butcher farmers in every part of the nation. While parents of Chibok Girls are still mourning, Dapchi Girls menace follows.  All these have become disaster and pose major difficulties to democratic governance.

WEAK POLITICAL WILL

Since 1999, hardly we find the government implementing the recommendations of probe panel. It is puzzling that public funds be spent on probe panel whose recommendations will not be put into implementation.  Even with all conditions for enduring democracy are met if the government of the day lacks the much needed political muscle to muzzle evil and bad political practices militating against good governance and democracy, the country will continue to falter and perpetuate in democracy remedial as a relapsing giant. This is not my prayer for Nigeria. 

OPINION

Buhari: Lessons in Leadership and Patriotism

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By Ismail Abdulaziz

On July 13, retired Maj.-Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, former President of Nigeria, passed away after the mid-day prayers at a London Clinic at the ripe age of 82.Many testimonies about his life and times indicate a man of civility, discipline and patriotism not adding his avowed principle of living a Spartan life and commitment to eradication of corruption.

President Bola Tinubu, paid a glowing tribute.
‘’Buhari was to the very core, a patriot, a soldier, a statesman; his legacy of service and sacrifice endures.“He served Nigeria with unwavering dedication, first as a military leader from January 1984 to August 1985, and later as a democratically elected President from 2015 to 2023; duty, honour, and a deep commitment to the unity and progress of our nation defined his life.
“He stood firm through the most turbulent times, leading with quiet strength, profound integrity, and an unshakable belief in Nigeria’s potential.“He championed discipline in public service, confronted corruption head-on, and placed the country above personal interest at every turn,’’ the president said.Similarly, the revered Islamic scholar, Mufti Ismail Menk, said Buhari was an upright man, who never missed his prayers and a very disciplined believer who served his people to the best of his ability.“His name was synonymous with integrity.“He was definitely one of those who made me develop a much better perception of Nigerians as a people,’’ he said.The U.S. Mission in Nigeria also condoled with Nigeria.“Buhari was a leader whose life was defined by service, discipline, and a commitment to restore integrity to public office.“His legacy includes his efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic institutions,’’ it said.The Chinese embassy in Nigeria also expressed its condolences.‘’We mourn a resolute leader whose unwavering dedication to Nigeria’s unity and progress leaves an enduring legacy.“His pivotal contributions to advancing China-Nigeria relations will forever remain etched in our shared history,’’ it said.Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who was also a former military Head of State like Buhari, said the late president was a comrade, a cool patriot, who as a soldier, played his role.“As an administrator, he played his role as an administrator; as a statesman, he played his role as a statesman.“At a time like this, we need the totality of the experience and what I may call statesmanship of all those who have had opportunities to run the affairs of this country to get us out of the situation we are in; he will be sorely missed; may his soul rest in perfect peace,” Obasanjo said.Tributes have also come in from the Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio as well as World Trade Organisation Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.During his campaign in 2015, something spectacular happened.The masses of Nigeria decided to contribute their widows’ mites for his success.What else can a human want than the general believe in his capacity and ability to lead them to the Promised Land?This singular act was a burden placed on him by the people to rectify the past.Analysts say the history of Nigeria will be replete with the roles Buhari played during his three terms leading the country.First, as a military head of state and subsequently, as a democratically elected president between 2015 and 2023.For history to be kind to him, the testimonies of those around him during his time will shape the final options.As an elder statesman, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida once said: “History will be kind to you for taking a decision, but will never be kind to you for not taking a decision.”Buhari accepted most of the mistakes he took while serving the people as exemplified in one of his statements in the course of his handing over the reign of leadership to President Tinubu.“Whoever thought that there has been some form of injustice on him we are all humans, there is no doubt I hurt some people, and I wish they would pardon me and those who think that I have hurt them, please pardon me.”The man that peacefully handed over power to Buhari, former President Goodluck Jonathan, has some comforting words.‘’He will be remembered as a courageous leader, a disciplined officer, and a committed public servant who made considerable contributions towards the peace and progress of our dear nation.“The late President was deeply admired across the strata of society for his decency, integrity and exemplary life of service.“As a leader, he was selfless in his commitment to his duty and served the country with character and a deep sense of patriotism.‘’In his passing, Nigeria has lost one of its foremost leaders, and I have lost a respected colleague and elder.“His legacy will continue to endure in the hearts of all who value sacrifice, integrity, perseverance and devotion to national ethos,’’ Jonathan said.Buhari was born on Dec. 17, 1942 in Daura, Katsina State to Adamu and Zulaiha Buhari.He was raised by his mother, following the death of his father when he was about four years old; he had his primary school education in Daura and Maidua from 1948 to 1952, before proceeding to Katsina Middle School in 1953.He joined the Nigerian Army in 1961 when he was admitted to the Nigerian Military Training College, Kaduna.Buhari underwent Officer Cadets training at Mons Officer Cadet School in Aldershot, England from 1962 to 1963, and was commissioned as Second Lieutenant in January, 1963.He attended the Nigerian Military College, Kaduna for the Platoon Commanders’ Course from 1963-1964Buoyed by a deep sense of patriotism and commitment to national service, Buhari entered politics in 2003, following Nigeria’s return to a democratic dispensation in 1999.Buhari joined the All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP) and contested the presidential election on its platform that year.He lost to the presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Olusegun Obasanjo.Undeterred by defeat, Buhari continued his political struggle, and on Dec. 18, 2006, he emerged as the consensus presidential candidate of the ANPP for the 2007 elections.His main challenger in the April 2007 presidential polls was the ruling PDP candidate, Umaru Yar’Adua.In the election, Buhari officially scored 18 percent of the total votes cast, against 70 percent for Yar’Adua.In March 2010, Buhari left the ANPP and formed, with some of his supporters, the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC).Buhari was nominated as the CPC presidential candidate on April 16, 2011 for that year’s general election.He ran against the then incumbent, President Jonathan of the ruling PDP, Malam Nuhu Ribadu of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Ibrahim Shekarau of the ANPP, and other candidates of smaller parties.Using the platform of the CPC, a newly formed party, Buhari was able to garner 12, 214, 853 votes, coming second to Goodluck Jonathan of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP), who polled 22, 495, 197 votes.In 2015, under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Buhari won the presidential elections of March 28, defeating the incumbent Jonathan of PDP.He was sworn into Office as President, Commander-In Chief of the Armed Forces, and Federal Republic of Nigeria on May 29, 2015.After eight years in office, Buhari ensured a smooth transition process; in May 29, 2023, he handed over power to President Bola Tinubu who was also elected under the platform of APC in the February, 2023 presidential election.(NAN)

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OPINION

Naira Spraying Crackdown: Cultural Policing or Economic Necessity?

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In recent months, Lagos has witnessed a sharp intensification of the crackdown on spraying naira notes at social events, with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission leading enforcement efforts to uphold currency integrity.In April 2025, popular Lagos socialite Emeka Okonkwo, known as E-Money, was arrested for allegedly spraying both naira and US dollars at public gatherings, an act that violates Nigeria’s currency laws.

In the same month, two social media influencers, Tobilola Olamide (TobiNation) and Peter Olaitan (TDollar), were convicted and sentenced to six months imprisonment or a fine for spraying naira notes at a Lagos event, based on viral TikTok videos that triggered EFCC investigations.
These cases underscore the government’s renewed commitment to enforcing the Central Bank Act provisions against currency abuse, amid growing concerns over inflation and economic stability.Beyond Lagos, notable Nigerians have also faced arrest and conviction for spraying naira under the Central Bank Act. Idris Okuneye (Bobrisky) was convicted in April 2024 and sentenced to six months’ imprisonment after his March arrest for spraying at Lagos events.Actress Oluwadarasimi Omoseyin was arrested in February 2023 for spraying and stepping on new naira notes at a wedding in Lagos, receiving a six-month jail term with an option of a fine. A makeup artist, Abdullahi Huseini (Amuscap), was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment in Kano for spraying at his wedding. Cubana Chief Priest was also arrested, etc.We praise the EFCC and the government for doing a great job of protecting the integrity of the naira by ensuring that abusers are punished. We wish and pray that the same swiftness and assurance of convictions be visited on other issues, such as political corruption and insecurity.According to a report by Daily Post 2021, Mr Akin Adewale from a first-generation bank said it was good so that money would not be devalued. What the CBN said was that it spent a lot of money printing it, and the cost is passed on to the economy in the long run. He said, “If the money is rough or torn, its life span is reduced, and printing becomes more frequent, which leads to inflation.”Any person who has been in the country since 2021 will know that the devaluation of the Nigerian currency is closely related to inflation.But what about the cultural significance of spraying money among Nigerian communities?To criminalise spraying money without acknowledging its cultural weight risks violating the social rhythms that bind communities together.In Yoruba culture, spraying money is a revered symbol of honour and respect. It is a way to publicly celebrate and support the success and status of loved ones, affirming social bonds and communal pride. For the Igbo, spraying is an expression of joy and solidarity, a ritual that marks milestones and reinforces communal support. Among the Hausa-Fulani, though less common, similar acts of generosity during celebrations symbolise goodwill and social harmony. The same is also true of many other ethnic groups in the country.Beyond mere festivity, spraying money is a powerful social symbol; it represents abundance, generosity, and the collective sharing of fortune. It is a language of respect, a way to uplift individuals while strengthening community ties. To clamp down on this practice without sensitivity is to risk eroding a cherished cultural expression that nurtures social cohesion.No doubt, many countries have laws prohibiting the mutilation or defacement of currency to protect their integrity. Singapore, Sri Lanka, Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada all enforce penalties, ranging from fines to imprisonment, against damaging their money.These regulations reflect a global consensus that currency is both a medium of exchange and a national symbol essential for economic stability. It means Nigeria’s Central Bank Act similarly criminalises currency abuse, including spraying naira notes, to safeguard the naira in line with the value that other nations of the world uphold.By implication, therefore, the culture of enjoying money spraying as a social bonding avenue is an aberration that followed normal political impunity in Nigeria. It’s not really a piece of culture rooted in African cosmology.Political and class dimensions also raise concerns about selective justice and unequal treatment of the elite versus ordinary people. Many countries indeed criminalise the mutilation or defacement of currency to protect its integrity, and Nigeria’s Central Bank Act follows this global practice by outlawing acts like spraying naira notes. However, this raises a deeper question: is criminalising currency abuse more important than implementing policies that genuinely uplift the lives of Nigerians?One must wonder whether the Nigerian government’s crackdown is driven by a sincere commitment to economic reform or simply an attempt to imitate other nations without addressing more pressing issues. It is normal for governments to prioritise certain policies, but if the focus is on enforcing currency laws, then why has there been so little progress in prosecuting terrorists, corrupt officials, or those who steal public funds? Why are governors and government officials rarely held accountable under the law, including the Bank Act?For instance, an online report showed that Thomas Ekpemupolo, known as Tompolo, a former Niger Delta militant leader, was caught in a viral video from his April 54th birthday celebration dancing while N1,000 notes were sprayed and stepped on, actions considered naira abuse under Nigerian law.Following public outcry, the EFCC vowed in May to investigate and hold him accountable, stressing, “Nobody is above the law.” As of late June, there has been no public update on his arrest or arraignment. If the case of the former Niger Delta militant leader could go this way, how about when a governor or senator is seen committing such an offence? Yet the government ought to look into a balanced approach to naira spraying.No one is in support of mutilating the currency, but a balanced approach to the naira spraying crackdown could help preserve cultural heritage while protecting the currency’s integrity. One solution is public education to raise awareness about the legal restrictions and the economic impact of currency mutilation, encouraging celebrants to handle naira notes with care rather than abandoning the tradition altogether.Additionally, regulated practices could be established where spraying is done respectfully and with minimal damage, such as using designated fresh notes or limiting the amount sprayed, distinguishing between cultural honour and currency abuse. This middle ground respects the ritual’s social significance while aligning with legal and economic concerns.Outright bans risk alienating communities and eroding cultural identity, whereas education, innovation, and sensible regulation offer a path to harmonise tradition with the imperative to protect Nigeria’s fragile economy.Most importantly, instead of merely emphasising the sanctity of the naira, Nigeria should strive to uphold the true rule of law, ensuring justice, fighting corruption, and protecting citizens, just as many other countries do. Without this broader commitment, focusing solely on currency integrity risks appearing superficial and disconnected from the urgent needs of the people.Dr Mbamalu, a Jefferson Journalism Fellow, member of the Nigerian Guild of Editors and media consultant, is the publisher of Prime Business Africa

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OPINION

Two Sides of Late Major General Muhammadu Buhari

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The late Major General Muhammadu Buhari, who famously overthrew the government of Alhaji Shehu Shagari, struck like a thunderbolt. His death, announced yesterday, July 13, 2025, shocked the nation, especially as he appeared healthier than when he was elected President of Nigeria in 2015.

In reflecting on his life and legacy, it is essential to compare the two distinct eras of Buhari’s leadership: first as a military ruler and later as a democratically elected president.
As a military president, Buhari was often perceived as a no-nonsense leader who implemented significant reforms that impacted the political, economic, and social landscape of Nigeria. His initiatives included:i. War Against Indiscipline;ii.
Import Substitution Industrialization Policy;iii. Go Back to Land Programme; andiv. Foreign Policy InitiativesThe announcement of his coup triggered panic among second Republic politicians, who went into hiding, fearing the unknown. Their concerns were not unfounded; the brutal orders that followed forced many into detention without trial for extended periods. While these policies are attributed to General Buhari, some believe they were largely orchestrated by General Tunde Idiagbon, his Chief of Staff, a bold and incorruptible officer who played a crucial role in implementing Buhari’s agenda.Ambassador Lawal Rafindadi, the Director General of the National Security Organization (NSO), also significantly influenced Buhari’s policies. Under his leadership, the NSO detained numerous Nigerians and a few foreigners without trial, while also investigating high-profile corruption cases, including that of Umaru Dikko.Buhari’s name incited a mix of fear and admiration among Nigerians; while his policies benefitted many, they caused distress for others. There is a prevailing belief that Idiagbon and Rafindadi were the true engines of governance during Buhari’s regime. His subsequent overthrow by General Ibrahim Babangida and the ensuing years of incarceration were reminiscent of the betrayal faced by Julius Caesar.When Buhari returned to power as the elected president in 2015, many Nigerians expressed hope that he would revive the transformative policies of his military rule. However, the reality was starkly different; the economy continued to plummet, corruption surged, and social cohesion deteriorated.This raises the question: Were the key figures who had previously supported Buhari—such as Tunde Idiagbon and Lawal Rafindadi—absent during his second tenure? Observing Nigeria’s political and economic landscape at the time, one might conclude that the nation had made progress in governance compared to Buhari’s first administration. Yet, familiar advisers from his earlier days remained influential, including figures like Malam Maman Daura, the late Mamud Tukur, Alhaji Magaji Danbatta, Professor Ango Abdullahi, and General Aliyu Gusau.Some critics have suggested that Buhari’s second coming could be summed up by the adage “once bitten, twice shy.” Rumor has it he confided to close friends that, in his youth, his aspirations to save Nigeria were thwarted; thus, he was unwilling to dedicate his later years to a country that had not recognized his contributions.Despite this backdrop, Buhari’s integrity remained intact. He personally rejected corruption; however, it appeared he overlooked the corrupt practices of those around him. His presence will be missed as a Nigerian statesman capable of fostering stability in various regions. His immediate family and allies will mourn his passing, as will many Nigerians who knew him well.As we ponder Buhari’s legacy, it remains unclear how history will ultimately judge him. Will he be remembered with fondness or skepticism? Only time will tell, as historians analyze his contributions and their impact on Nigeria.Simon Shango MFR writes from Abuja

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