Beyond the Tears: The Complex Legacy of Buhari

- July 17, 2025

Mixed Reactions to Buhari's Death Highlight Nigeria's Complexities ....

The death of former President Muhammadu Buhari on July 13, 2025, elicited a wide spectrum of reactions, revealing diverse perspectives on his legacy and personality. Analysis of the responses reveals several key themes:

1. Grief and Admiration: The outpouring of grief, exemplified by Governor Dikko Radda's emotional display, highlights the deep respect and affection many held for Buhari. Tributes focused on his perceived integrity, discipline, and sacrifice, portraying him as a "national father figure" and a symbol of these values. The massive scale of his funeral, with over 56 million online viewers, further underscores the profound impact he had on a significant portion of the Nigerian population. Many described him as a man of simple tastes, emphasizing his austere living conditions and his commitment to public service, even in the face of criticism. This sentiment is echoed in personal anecdotes, such as the account of a final meeting with Buhari in Daura.

2. Criticism and Controversy: Despite the widespread grief, significant criticism of Buhari's presidency persisted even in death. Some openly celebrated his passing, viewing it as a form of "justice" for perceived wrongs during his tenure. This highlights the deep political divisions that characterized his time in office and underscores the lack of national consensus on his leadership. The high cost of his medical treatment abroad also fueled resentment in some quarters. However, this criticism was counterbalanced by the emphasis on his numerous infrastructural achievements, including the completion of the Second Niger Bridge, often cited as a major accomplishment benefiting the Southeast region.

3. Religious and Moral Reflections: The comments invoking Allah's forgiveness and mercy reflect the strong religious beliefs prevalent in Nigeria. The juxtaposition of calls for divine judgment alongside personal pleas for forgiveness underscores the complex emotional response to Buhari's death. This sentiment is further emphasized by Reno Omokri's call for civilized behavior, urging Nigerians to emulate the Northern response to Peter Obi's political activities, even after controversial statements by the latter.

4. Political and Ethnic Divides: The reactions highlight the persistent ethnic and political divisions in Nigeria. While some celebrated Buhari's death, associating it with perceived injustices and the #EndSARS protests, others condemned this reaction, arguing it stemmed from ethnic bias and disregarded the broader context of violence in the Southeast. The controversy surrounding the Lekki Toll Gate incident and the roles of IPOB, Unknown Gunmen, and ESN served as a backdrop to these conflicting perspectives, revealing deeper fault lines in Nigerian society.

5. Legacy Assessment: A mixed legacy emerges from the analysis. On one hand, Buhari's supporters emphasize his infrastructural projects (universities, railways, roads, bridges, airports, power plants, etc.), his commitment to discipline, and his dedication to public service. His opponents focus on his perceived failures in addressing corruption, security challenges, and economic issues. The debate surrounding his legacy remains unresolved, reflecting the differing experiences and perspectives within Nigerian society. Farooq Kperogi's commentary reflects this duality, expressing personal disagreement with Buhari's policies while acknowledging the humbling power of death and the need for empathy.

In conclusion, the response to Muhammadu Buhari's death offers a multifaceted analysis of his presidency and its impact on Nigeria. It reveals a nation grappling with its past, deeply divided yet bound by shared experiences and a complex legacy that continues to shape its present and future.