Nigeria

By Ibrahim Lawal Ahmed

On September 9th, 2023, friends, colleagues and students of Malam Mu’azu Muhammad Yusif, more popularly called M.M. Yusif, gathered to honour and celebrate his long academic service at the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), Kano, by remembering the old days and reflecting on the transformation the academia has been going through in Nigeria. Malam M.M. Yusif recently retired from the Department of Political Science, Bayero University, Kano, and the occasion was a kind of send-off party.

It was indeed a robust discussion that involved personalities such as Mal. Ibrahim Mu’azzam, Dr. Y.Z. Ya’u, Dr. Nasir Fagge, Prof. Ibrahim Bello-Kano (IBK), among others. As expected, the debate spiralled from eulogising the celebrant to discussion on the character of students and teachers in the universities in Nigeria, the current system of running the university, the struggles of and in the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), and the neoliberal world order and its effects in Nigeria, particularly on the universities. 

In short, the discussion is a dialectical cross-examination of factors within the university and how their interrelationship is influencing the university education in Nigeria; the relationship between the university and the society (town and gown relationship); and the relationship between the university and the state. The relationship between the university and the state is at the centre of the ASUU issue.

University has been the life of Malam, and as one of the longest-serving chairmen of ASUU, BUK Chapter, ASUU is a union very close to Malam. Therefore, I can imagine his feelings as he witnesses and reflects on the last two battles between ASUU and the government (2020 and 2022) that almost destroyed the public universities in Nigeria. The fundamental issue of ASUU-FGN conflict, in my view, is not the non-payment of allowances but the reductionist approach to governance by the government, which entails decreasing concern for the institutions that provide welfare to the people and total neglect of the idea of ‘public good.’ The result is the systematic collapse of the social contract (and compact) and rising political cleavages, a pre-bendel form of primitive accumulation and rentierism (or sycophancy) which results in the concentration of wealth in the hands of a few. 

Consequently, as the rich get richer and the poor get poorer in Nigeria, commodity fetishism becomes the defining feature of the social relations in Nigeria. In other words, money is now the moral compass in Nigeria. The needs and wants of the average Nigerian are reduced to his stomach – you have to eat for you to think, for when you speak to a hungry man, he answers you with his stomach – as such, ASUU is faced with an enormous challenge of mobilising the society to back its course on its battles with the state. 

Moreover, people are tired of the classical tactics of strikes always taken by ASUU, which, in the last two years, have hurt the university education system more than they have salvaged it. Thus, one key takeaway from the gathering is that ASUU needs to reinvent itself. While remaining steadfast to its goals that are of public interest, it has to change tactics.

Similarly, government at all levels has to pay more attention to the educational sector. To improve education, efforts should focus more on qualitative development rather than the current quantitative development, which prioritises establishing tertiary institutions in remote areas primarily due to trivial political reasons. This is not right. Situating schools and tertiary institutions has to take comprehensive cognisance of the environment. The questions such as how the town will support the gown at its embryonic stage and how the gown will support the city at maturity have to be asked. Answering these kinds of questions requires a comprehensive analysis of the infrastructure (both hard and soft), human and physical factors in the environment where the school or tertiary institution is to be situated. The late Sir Ahmadu Bello set a notable example in establishing Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria. He could have stayed in Sokoto or Maiduguri. However, considering several factors, Zaria is strategically better suited to host the university. Such was a good leader who has vision that transcends personal and primordial interest.

Indeed, the issue of education in Nigeria cannot be left to the government alone. It is a social issue; therefore, it requires an All-of-Society-Approach – from parents, to community leaders, traditional rulers, commercial and industrial enterprises, all have to be involved, especially regarding financing the education. The policy of student loans will not work because the socioeconomic condition of Nigeria is not prosperous enough to favour such a policy. In fact, in some advanced countries, the policy is problematic and an obstacle to social mobility, thereby facing harsh criticisms. The students need grants, not loans. And the wealthy Nigerians have to be philanthropic towards our educational institutions, especially the tertiary institutions. There is no more rewarding investment than investment in education,though it takes time to ripen. There is no better way to empower the youth in Nigeria than through education. The proper education enhances the ability of citizens to think. And unless one can think and understand the complexity of the present world, one can not address one’s personal problems, let alone those of society.

The courses taught by Malam M.M. Yusif aim to help students understand this complex world by interrogating the institutions that hold it up. To teach such courses requires a special personality. Therefore, as his recent student, the gathering was an opportunity for me to know more about my teacher. I listened attentively as his friends and colleagues kept mentioning his academic contribution to social issues that include gender studies, labour studies, and military studies, among many. But one standing quality and lasting legacy of Malam is mentorship. Malam put a lot of his energy into guiding his students. 

He utilised his resources to acquire high-quality materials and provide practical work for his students. He is a teacher who loves questioning and never penalises you for your inability to answer a question. For him, the most important thing is for the students to attempt to answer the question brilliantly. He always has time for his students. 

One day, I visited his office to discuss some concepts I didn’t understand. After explaining the concepts to him, I complained, “Sir, I am confused.” He responded, “Do not worry, Ibrahim. This means you are learning.” It was on that day that I learnt that learning is full of confusion. If you are finding learning easy, then you are probably not learning anything new.

It will take time to fill the gap that Malam M.M. Yusif is leaving in the academia, particularly in the Department of Political Science at Bayero University. I am glad and proud that he has had an accomplished academic career. We, his students, cherish the memory and are thankful for the way he has taught and mentored us. May it please Allah that Malam has a peaceful and happy retired life.

By Sabiu Abdullhi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in partnership with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), has held a sensitisation workshop aimed at boosting the efficiency of its Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU).

The event was organised for senior management staff of Customs and took place in Abuja on August 21, 2025.Speaking at the opening, Deputy Comptroller-General Greg Itotoh, who represented the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, said the fight against corruption within the Service has been a long-standing effort.

He explained that the workshop was designed to reinforce internal checks and entrench integrity at all levels.”Having you here today demonstrates our resolve to fight corruption. Being with us further encourages us and strengthens that desire to enforce our Anti-Corruption initiatives that we have put in place,” he said.

He added that the lessons from the exercise would be passed on to other officers and would help drive better service delivery.

He further assured that Customs, working with its stakeholders, would not relent until corruption is fully eradicated.

Also speaking at the event, ICPC Chairman, Musa Aliyu, who was represented by Olusegun Adigun, praised the Customs leadership for prioritising accountability and ensuring that the sensitisation was held.

“Corruption remains one of the greatest impediments to national development, eroding trust, stifling economic growth and diminishing the effectiveness of governance,” he said.

He continued, “As we engage in today’s discourse, let us remember that every act of integrity contributes to a stronger, more transparent society. Let this workshop be a catalyst for a renewed commitment, innovation and proactive engagement in the fight against corruption.”

He urged Customs personnel to remain committed to ethical standards and encouraged management to sustain support for ACTU’s operations.

“Every act of integrity will help reshape society,” he added.

The workshop featured paper presentations, including “Understanding the ACTU Standing Order 2023” by an ICPC official, and “Preventive Strategies in Combating Corruption in Public Institutions” delivered by Richard Bello.

Both papers underscored the importance of preventive reforms and stronger institutional frameworks against unethical practices.

Bringing the event to a close, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, who heads the Customs Intelligence Unit, reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to working closely with ICPC.

He stressed that accountability and transparency remain central to Customs’ ongoing reforms.

“We’re deeply grateful to the ACTU for initiating and championing this Programme. Your relentless effort towards promoting accountability and good governance did not go unnoticed. Thank you for being the moral compass within our institution,” he said.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

There was outrage after the Plateau State High Court granted bail to twenty individuals accused of the brutal killing of thirteen wedding guests in the Mangu Local Government Area.

The decision, delivered yesterday, comes just days after the tragic attack that shocked the nation.

The victims were ambushed while returning from a wedding celebration.

They were travelling in a vehicle affiliated with Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, from Zaria to Jos when they were reportedly set upon by a group of youths.

The suspects were subsequently arrested and arraigned before the court on charges relating to the massacre.

Presiding over the case, the judge ruled to grant all twenty defendants bail pending the continuation of their trial.

The court has adjourned the matter until October 13, 2025, for further hearing and proceedings.

The decision is likely to be met with mixed reactions from a public still grieving from the devastating attack.

By Anwar Usman

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has detained two senior officials of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria over alleged fraud linked to the 2025 Hajj exercise.

Anonymous sources at the EFCC reliability confirmed the arrests, noting that both officials were currently in custody.

“They are with us. We asked them to return the money they took, but they have yet to do so. That is why they remain in our custody,” a source stated.

In a statement signed by the commission’s Assistant Director of Information and Publication, Fatima Usara, on behalf of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Abdullahi Usman, NAHCON emphasized its commitment to accountability and due process.

Although the commission neither confirmed nor denied the detention of its officials, it stated that it maintains an open and ongoing relationship with relevant government agencies, including anti-corruption and regulatory bodies.

“This cooperation is a standing principle of the commission’s operations and its belief in due process and the rule of law. The commission would not shield any staff or process found wanting,” the statement read.

Usara also appealed to the public and the media to avoid speculation, urging that due process be allowed to run its course.

“However, the commission respectfully urges the public and especially the media to exercise restraint on speculations and allow the appropriate authorities to conclude their work in accordance with established procedures, without subjecting perhaps innocent persons to indignity through media trials.”

The statement further added that “the commission remains focused on post-Hajj evaluations, addressing operational challenges, and strengthening measures to ensure even better service delivery in future Hajj operations”.

Efforts to reach the EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, for comments were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.

By Ibrahim Suleiman Ibrahim 

It is part of my dreams to one day establish a female-only sports & gymnastics centre that would be managed and run by females, where taking pictures and videos during training sessions would be strictly prohibited.

This is to disprove the ill-conceived notion promoted by mischief makers that northern Nigerian women, particularly the Muslim ones, are deprived of the freedom to engage in sports and fitness activities. 

I’m honestly sick and tired of all the backlash Islam and Muslims are receiving, portraying us as people who do not give women freedom, as though the so-called freedom some other women are enjoying has earned them the needed value and respect from society. 

Unfortunately, these critics don’t consider the position of Islam about free-mixing between opposite sexes, and also the kind of outfit that is morally due for a woman to be seen in by men who are not her ‘Mahrams'(Muslims will understand this).  

It is worthy of note that what makes us religious people is the fact that we are neither freethinkers nor atheists. We have codes of conduct and laws enshrined in our religious scriptures, which we are obligated to abide by.

I don’t like how even some Muslims consider it absurd and barbaric that Muslim ladies are discouraged from participating in some of these secular-oriented sporting activities where women are mandated to appear in skimpy dresses, and intermingle with men indiscriminately. 

At the slightest provocation, they make references to Arabian countries where secularism has almost eaten up the religious aura there.

I understand that situations might sometimes warrant us to compromise and adopt some secular practices (Darooraat), but giving full acceptance to those practices, despite their contradiction with our religious laws, while considering our religious laws as barbaric and extreme, is quite unbecoming of a Muslim. 

Meanwhile, I implore religious organisations to begin investing in some of these necessary but non-Shariah-compliant things, such that we can have a halal version, and save ourselves this noise about us not depriving women of their rights. 

It’s about time we began to think outside the box and come up with solutions to some of these problems. 

Sports and gymnastics are necessary, and establishing a shari’ah-compliant atmosphere isn’t a bad thing. 

Ibrahim Suleiman Ibrahim wrote via suleimibrahim00@gmail.com.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

In a significant shift from global norms, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has ordered that all mobile phones and portable electronic devices must be completely switched off, not just on flight mode – during take-off and landing on all flights within Nigeria.

The directive was announced by the NCAA Director General, Capt. Chris Najomo, on Tuesday at a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja.

The move ends the long-standing practice where passengers were permitted to use devices in airplane mode throughout a flight.

“All mobile phones, I repeat, all mobile phones and other portable electronic devices should be switched off during at least the critical phase of flight on all Nigerian airlines. Switched off,” Najomo stated.

“There’s nothing like anything like flight mode any longer. Must be switched off.”

The new rule requires Nigerian airlines to immediately amend their operations manuals to reflect this change and submit them to the NCAA for approval.

The phone ban is part of a broader crackdown on the growing trend of disruptive passenger behaviour at Nigerian airports. Najomo declared that the era of “business as usual” is over, warning that unruly passengers will face strict consequences.

He announced plans for public enlightenment campaigns, including radio and TV jingles, to educate travellers on their responsibilities.

The NCAA will also compel airlines to provide adequate training for their staff in conflict resolution.

“If you’re unruly, you’re unruly… It will not be as business as usual. I can assure you that,” Najomo emphasized.

Highlighting the security risks, Najomo announced that the NCAA will conduct mock response exercises next week at the Lagos and Abuja airports to test readiness.

The results of these drills will be made public.

“Aviation security personnel and law enforcement must be reinforced with training, professionalism, and clearly defined rules of engagement,” he said.

Supporting the DG’s stance, the Director of Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, noted that Nigeria’s handling of unruly passengers is already more humane than in many other countries, where such behaviour is “treated with extreme prejudice.”

He also referenced recent high-profile incidents, involving figures like Fuji musician KWAM1 and actress Comfort, stating that while the parties involved had learned their lessons, the events revealed systemic gaps that need urgent addressing.

By Salisu Uba KofarWambai 

The latest buzz in Nigeria’s political arena is nothing short of explosive: former President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan is reportedly set to return and contest under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The revelation has sent shockwaves across the nation and beyond. But beneath the headlines, a critical question lingers — what is the real motive behind this sudden political twist?

Before the emergence of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a viable coalition platform for the opposition, Nigerians had grown increasingly frustrated with what they saw as a weakened opposition front. The PDP, once a vibrant counterforce, had been reduced to what critics call a “toothless bulldog,” accused of being manipulated by President Bola Tinubu through Nyesom Wike, a PDP member who openly works in favour of the ruling party and now holds a position in Tinubu’s government.

Wike’s influence, according to party insiders, has been anything but peaceful. His repeated interventions and internal disputes have reportedly destabilised the PDP, a strategy many believe cost the party dearly in the 2023 general elections. With the backing of the current administration, Wike has consistently won key legal battles, tightening his grip on the PDP’s power structure.

Recognising the deepening crisis, several PDP heavyweights, including the party’s last presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, abandoned the PDP ship, aligning under the ADC banner to form a credible opposition. This development was warmly received by many Nigerians disillusioned by the ruling APC’s economic policies, from the sharp devaluation of the naira to the painful removal of fuel subsidies, policies they say have deepened poverty nationwide.

Alarmed by the growing acceptance of the ADC among struggling Nigerians, the APC-led government appears to be dusting off an old playbook. Just as they allegedly did with the Kwankwasiyya movement in 2023, they now seem ready to field a high-profile figure to split the opposition vote. This time, the role is reportedly being handed to none other than Jonathan — a move seen by many as orchestrated to weaken the ADC’s momentum.

For political observers, the pattern is clear: divide the opposition, consolidate power, and keep the electorate distracted, all while avoiding a united front that could unseat the government in 2027. What stings for some Nigerians is the idea of Jonathan, once the principal, now accepting political direction from his former protégé.

Whether Jonathan’s alleged return is a personal decision or part of a calculated strategy by the ruling party remains to be seen. But one thing is sure: the stage is set for a high-stakes political drama, and Nigerians will be watching closely to see how and where this political gunshot will be fired.

By Usman Abdullahi Koli, ANIPR

There are people whose presence on earth answers questions, silences chaos, and reassures broken spirits that goodness has not lost its place in the journey of humanity. When you meet such a soul, you don’t need persuasion or praise to understand them. Their essence speaks gently but powerfully. Their actions speak more than introductions. And their humility becomes the loudest testimony. Dr. Bala Maijama’a Wunti is one such rare man.

He is not defined by his position. He is defined by his posture toward people, toward purpose, and toward the possibilities that are in building others. He carries influence with a gentleness that disarms pride. He wields intellect with a clarity that speaks in results, not rhetoric. His kindness does not seek the spotlight, yet it lights up lives. In Dr. Wunti, leadership is not a claim; it is an effect. You don’t need to be told he leads; you feel it by what surrounds him: hope, truth, trust.

Dr. Wunti is a thinker. But not one who sits in silence while people suffer. He listens, he observes, and he acts. His success in the energy sector is known by experts across continents, but even more admirable is how he has remained deeply connected to the people beneath the statistics—those whose lives don’t appear in data sheets but whose realities matter the most. He balances global intellect with local empathy, and he does so effortlessly.

Every act of his kindness is not random. It is intentional. It is driven by a deep understanding of pain and a personal conviction that no one should be left behind when it is possible to lift. Many men do charity. Few men carry kindness as a responsibility. Fewer still see it as an identity. For Dr. Wunti, it is not about doing good to impress. It is about being good enough to make a difference that leaves no noise but creates echoes of gratitude.

What sets him apart is not only what he does but how he does it. He makes room for others without shrinking himself. He uplifts without needing to be worshipped. He speaks with such calm confidence that even disagreement becomes a space of learning. There is discipline in his humility, and there is wisdom in his silence. He doesn’t interrupt with his greatness; he simply lets it shine in how he walks into a room, how he listens to the ordinary, and how he never forgets those without titles.

Dr. Bala Maijama’a Wunti is a builder of people, not just systems. He is a man who understands that progress is not only about projects but also about peace. He knows that development is not truly development if it does not carry the human soul along. That is why his style is not loud. It is thoughtful. That is why his touch remains long after he has moved on. People do not only remember what he did; they remember how he made them feel—seen, respected, and valued.

It is no surprise that across regions, communities, institutions, and families, his name is spoken not with awe but with affection. And there is his secret—he earns respect by restoring dignity. He doesn’t walk in front to be praised. He walks beside, so no one is left behind. He does not pretend to know it all, but what he knows, he applies with uncommon honesty.

There is something deeply graceful about a man who does not chase validation yet earns admiration by simply being himself. In a time when too many seek recognition before action, Dr. Wunti has quietly made his life a gift to others. His kindness is not weakness. It is strength in its purest form. A strength that builds rather than breaks. A strength that gives, even when no one is looking.

This world, with all its weight, still finds light in people like Dr. Bala Maijama’a Wunti. He reminds us that being accomplished is good, but being compassionate is better. That having knowledge is necessary, but using it to serve others is noble. That being known is nice, but being remembered for goodness is divine.

As one reflects on his journey, it becomes clear that such a man deserves not just recognition but appreciation, not just applause but prayers. He doesn’t wear his impact as decoration. He lets others wear it as hope. And in doing so, he has built something bigger than status. He has built trust.

May the road ahead for Dr. Wunti remain wide, purposeful, and peaceful. May his type multiply in a world that desperately needs the fragrance of men whose hearts still beat for others. And may his story inspire many more to lead not by command but by compassion.

Because in this world of fleeting moments and forgotten promises, one truth remains: kindness will never go out of relevance. And for that, the name Bala Maijama’a Wunti will always echo where sincerity is treasured.

Usman Abdullahi Koli wrote via mernoukoli@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of 288 people suspected of attempting to trigger violence during the ongoing by-election for the Shanono/Bagwai State Constituency in Kano.

The disclosure was made by the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, through his verified Facebook account.

He explained that the suspects were arrested with dangerous weapons and are currently under investigation.

According to him, the arrests formed part of a wider operation to forestall any breakdown of law and order throughout the election.

By Abdullahi Muhammad Yalwa

As Nigerians lay their former president, Muhammad Buhari, to rest, a lively yet insightful debate has ignited on social media. Buhari’s death on the evening of Sunday, 13 July, has sparked a wave of polarised reactions across Nigeria and beyond. These responses, though all too familiar to ignore, are nonetheless difficult to tolerate either.

Ruling one of the most ethnically heterogeneous populations, the name BUHARI means different things to different people. For some, his death marks the end of a revered statesman’s journey, a disciplined military man turned democrat who embodied integrity and sacrifice. As such, religious apologists and loyalists have rushed to sanctify his legacy, cloaking his tenure in a veneer of divine purpose and moral uprightness. Yet, beneath the watershed emotions, lies a more sobering narrative, an impersonal truth which is hard to accept as it’s bitter to swallow.

For history and to serve as a springboard of truth, Buhari’s legacy is one that history will not so easily forgive nor forget. It’s a force that will be reckoned with in Nigeria’s history. A turmoil journey that lumbered from one crisis to another and finally ended in an overwhelming sense of failure. The truth, though uncomfortable, is therefore that Buhari’s legacy is a tale of squandered goodwill, unfulfilled promises, and a nation left more fractured than he found it.

In 2015, when the Saviour proclaimed his campaign, which would finally mark his ascension to power, Buhari, in a boisterous voice, chanted the “CHANGE” mantra, and citizens across the nation’s divides chanted CHANGE, and so the sound echoed. Hailed as a man of discipline, Buhari, in his usual austere demeanour and military pedigree, promised a break from the corruption and mismanagement that had plagued previous administrations. Equally, he promised to tackle insecurity, root out corruption, and stabilise a faltering economy. We saw in him a Messianic figure who would finally weed Nigeria of its bad seeds and breed a new garden for the poor. Sadly, however, the euphoria that greeted his election was a sad, fragile foundation of selective memory.

Buhari’s economic legacy is perhaps the most damning indictment of his tenure. Although he inherited an economy already strained by falling oil prices, his policies exacerbated the crisis, plunging Nigeria into two recessions within five years. By 2023, inflation had soared from 9% to over 22%, unemployment surged from 10.4% to 33.4%, and the naira lost 70% of its value against the dollar. Nigeria, once Africa’s largest economy, became the world’s poverty capital, with 133 million citizens living in abject poverty by the end of his tenure.

His economic interventions, such as the 2019 border closure to boost local production, backfired spectacularly, spiking food prices and straining relations with neighbouring countries. The naira redesign policies, implemented in 1984 and again in 2022, caused widespread hardship, with long queues and economic disruption for ordinary Nigerians. These measures, while framed as anti-corruption tools, were poorly executed and lacked strategic foresight. The ballooning national debt, reaching $150 billion by 2023, forced Nigeria to allocate 96% of its revenue to debt servicing, a fiscal albatross that continues to choke the economy.

Though it might be argued that Buhari inherited a comatose economy from Jonathan, riddled with corruption scandals like the $2 billion arms deal misappropriation, he promised to come and make a change, not to make excuses. Equally, his infrastructure projects, such as the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway and the Nigeria Air initiative, might be cited as evidence of progress. Yet, these achievements pale in comparison to the scale of economic devastation. The reality is that Buhari’s economic policies were not just misguided- they were catastrophic, leaving Nigerians poorer and more desperate than ever.

On the side of security, Buhari’s campaign promise to defeat Boko Haram and restore security was a cornerstone of his 2015 victory. Though there may be some early gains against Boko Haram, including the reclamation of territories, which briefly bolstered Buhari’s credentials, these victories were fleeting. By the end of his presidency, Nigeria was grappling with an unprecedented wave of insecurity, with over 63,000 deaths recorded from violent incidents between 2015 and 2023—an average of 22 deaths per day.

The rise of banditry, kidnappings, and farmer-herder clashes compounded the Boko Haram threat. The #EndSARS protests of 2020, sparked by police brutality, exposed his administration’s heavy-handed approach to dissent. Buhari’s silence during these crises, a hallmark of his leadership style, only deepened public distrust.

Buhari’s anti-corruption crusade was perhaps his most touted promise, yet it remains his most glaring failure. Though some positive outcomes were recorded, Buhari’s administration’s selective prosecution of opponents, such as Dasuki’s, raised questions about its sincerity. High-profile cases, such as the trial of former Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele, who’s one of the key figures during Buhari’s administration, continue to grab headlines, but systemic corruption persists. When the then Kano Governor Umar Ganduje was caught on video stuffing dollars into his robe, Buhari dismissed the evidence as doctored, undermining his anti-corruption credentials. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which he helped lay the groundwork for, became a tool for political vendettas rather than a beacon of reform. Many prominent figures were either pardoned or overlooked due to their political leanings or personal interests. As such, on anti-corruption, Buhari’s promises were a hoax.

Overall, Buhari’s cold, distant, arrogant air — that rigid, dry, unbothered, “I’m above you” type of character — which pervaded his leadership, remains deeply painful in the minds of his subjects. The fact that he spoke to his citizens during their tough times as if he was doing them a favour by acknowledging their existence is a poor record to reckon with as part of Buhari’s terrible legacy as a leader. There should be warmth and humility in public relations.

In the end, history is the most invisible phenomenon. As President Buhari is laid to rest, religious and regional loyalists should not seek to sanctify his legacy, framing him as a patriot who served Nigeria with unwavering dedication. Such eulogies, while expected, gloss over the harsh realities of his tenure. Equally, claiming that Buhari’s policies were sabotaged by external forces or inherited challenges ignores his role in exacerbating Nigeria’s woes. Instead, the uncomfortable truth is that Buhari’s legacy is one of missed opportunities and disappointment. He entered office with unprecedented goodwill, yet left Nigeria more divided, poorer, and insecure. His rigid, authoritarian style stifled dissent and eroded judicial independence, as seen in the prolonged detention of figures like Sambo Dasuki despite court orders. His failure to communicate effectively, evidenced by his silence during crises like #EndSARS and the ASUU strike of 2022, alienated a generation of young Nigerians.

History will remember Buhari not as the saviour Nigeria hoped for, but as a leader who squandered a historic mandate. His presidency teaches a bitter lesson: discipline without vision, and integrity without competence, cannot redeem a nation. As Nigerians mourn his passing, we must also confront the cost of his failures-a fractured nation, a struggling economy, and a generation of youth disillusioned with governance, standing on the brink of a precipice.

Abdullahi Muhammad Yalwa hails from Azare. He’s a graduate of Law from the University of Maiduguri, looking forward to serving his Country.