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Former President Buhari of Nigeria dies aged 82
The death of former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari raises questions about economic policy and the fight against corruption.
Former President Buhari of Nigeria dies aged 82
Nigeria's former president, Muhammadu Buhari, has died at the age of 82. The timing of his death was noted with much regret. He died in a hospital in London, his spokesman Garba Shehu announced on the online service X. Nigeria's current president, Bola Tinubu, confirmed Buhari's death and praised his contributions to the country's political landscape.
Buhari ruled Nigeria from 2015 to 2023 and was a former general. He staged a military coup in 1983 and ruled as a dictator for about two years before being elected president in 2015. His election victory marked the first transfer of power in Nigeria since the return to democracy in 1999 that took place without bloodshed. Despite his re-election in 2019 amid various challenges, including health problems, Buhari remained a controversial figure.
Advancement and challenges
It is mentioned that Buhari had to spend several times in London for medical treatment from May 2016 to mid-2017, leading to speculation about his health. Critics expressed doubts about his mental abilities, particularly after a live Q&A session in January 2019, with some of them describing him as "mentally disabled." These concerns were raised before the 2015 elections, when Buhari came under fire due to his age and alleged health problems.
During his term in office, Buhari made efforts to push back Boko Haram, but the security situation in the country deteriorated in the long term. According to the United Nations, more than two million Nigerians are displaced and many more are in need of humanitarian assistance. In addition, pro-Biafran separatists and conflicts between farmers and ranchers have led to a tense situation. Buhari has also faced accusations of authoritarianism, particularly in relation to his anti-corruption measures.
Political legacy and controversies
Under Buhari's leadership, economic policies fell short of expectations. While he wanted to fight corruption, he encountered difficulties in political consensus. Critics nicknamed him “Baba Go Slow” because of his slow governance. This was underlined by his wife Aisha, who pointed out the infighting around him and announced that she might not want to support him for re-election.
Buhari, who comes from Daura in the northern state of Katsina, divorced his first wife Safinatu and married Aisha in 1989, with whom he also has five children. Despite the challenges and controversies, Buhari continues to enjoy enormous support from voters in northern Nigeria.
His political career will continue to be the subject of debate, including the impact of his health problems on the fight against Boko Haram, corruption and economic growth. Despite the difficulties Nigeria experienced during his time in office, Buhari remains a defining figure in Nigerian history.
At a time when Nigeria is facing numerous challenges, many are remembering Buhari's legacy and the mark he left on the country.