By Olisemeka Obeche

On the fateful day of Sunday, July 13, 2023, a shroud of sorrow enveloped Nigeria and the world upon the announcement of Muhammadu Buhari’s untimely departure from this life. The former President succumbed in a London hospital, his life extinguished after a long, hidden struggle with illness that had cast a shadow over the final years of his leadership. His death signifies not merely the end of a man but the closure of a pivotal chapter in Nigeria’s turbulent history.

Buhari, the Mai Gaskia:

Buhari was a figure of austere dignity, molded by his military background and an unwavering dedication to public service. Eschewing the trappings of extravagance, he regularly donned simple yet graceful traditional Nigerian attire that reflected his humble persona. His disciplined lifestyle included a vigorous commitment to physical fitness, with early morning exercises becoming a defining aspect of his daily routine. This persona of integrity and simplicity resonated deeply with many Nigerians, elevating him to the status of a role model revered for his commitment to public service. He earned the moniker Mai Gaskia, perceived by many as an incorruptible leader destined to steer Nigeria toward a brighter future.

Cloaked in a messianic aura, Buhari endeared himself to the ordinary citizenry, rising as the vanguard of a progressive alliance in the run-up to the 2015 general election. Under the banner of the All Progressives Congress (APC), he fervently campaigned as the agent of change, poised to rescue Nigeria from the precipice of socio-economic despair. His rallying cry, “CHANGE,” promised a relentless fight against corruption and an unwavering focus on national security. He fervently addressed the existential threats of Boko Haram, economic downturns, and rampant graft, presenting himself as the savior Nigeria urgently needed. Yet, as days turned to years, the burdens of leadership mounted, and the bright ideals of his campaign began to dim under the weight of mounting criticism.

Change and burden of failed promises:

Despite his lofty promises to eradicate corruption, Buhari faltered, failing to confront the very nepotism and deceit that initially galvanized his campaign. Critics were swift to point out key appointments favoring his ethnic group, casting a shadow of bias and favoritism over his administration. This troubling perception sullied his credibility and raised questions about the integrity of his anti-corruption platform.

Alongside these issues, the economy faltered under Buhari’s stewardship, with swelling unemployment and inflation rates igniting unrest among the populace. The youth, in particular, found themselves in a crucible of disillusionment as opportunities vanished, their frustrations boiling over into protests. Ethnic and regional tensions simmered ominously on the periphery, further complicating an already complex political landscape and testing the mettle of his leadership. What initially appeared to be a strong mandate blossomed into a legacy fraught with ambition unrealized, leaving behind a tapestry woven with both hope and disappointment.

Silent Struggles:

Beneath the surface of his public persona lay an agonizing struggle—a severe health crisis that his administration chose to keep largely shrouded in secrecy. Throughout his presidency, Buhari’s frequent medical trips abroad sparked unease among citizens regarding his capacity to lead. Each absence ignited waves of speculation and anxiety about his health and the implications for Nigeria’s future. A lack of transparency only deepened this uncertainty, fueling fears about governance continuity as whispers of succession began to circulate.

While Buhari’s tenure will inevitably be marked by numerous shortcomings, one of the more remarkable tales was the staggering over N21 billion his government expended on the presidential wing of the State House Medical Centre in Abuja. “It is a specialized intensive care facility for the president, vice president, their immediate families, and other VIPs,” he had proclaimed grandly. Tragically, neither Buhari nor his vice, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, nor the other described VIPs, ever utilized the facility intended for their care.

As Buhari’s health deteriorated during his final years post-office, it became painfully evident that he was waging a losing battle. The extravagant funds allocated to the National Hospital had proven inadequate for his complex medical needs. Despite efforts to project an image of resilience, his frailty betrayed him, climaxing in his tragic death in London. The nation found itself mourning not just the loss of a leader but the extinguished hopes and aspirations intertwined with his presidency.

Lessons learnt:

The life and death of Muhammadu Buhari reverberate as a poignant reminder of the intricate nexus between leadership, health, and public perception. His disciplined lifestyle, marked by principles of simplicity, sought to resonate with the Nigerian populace. Yet, the multifaceted complexities of his presidency were tainted by accusations of nepotism, economic tribulations, and a tense political atmosphere. Ultimately, his clandestine health struggles eclipsed the reverberations of his achievements, culminating in a tragic end that left the nation grappling with profound questions about the nature of leadership and the uncertainties of the future.

As Nigeria forges ahead, it must engage in a deep reflection on Buhari’s legacy, gleaning lessons from his tumultuous journey and contemplating the profound influences of health and integrity on governance.