Flags over Nigeria will fly at half-mast this week as the nation mourns former President Muhammadu Buhari, who died Sunday in London at age 82, President Bola Tinubu confirmed.
Buhari’s life spanned military service, political activism, and historic democratic victories. Born December 17, 1942, he first rose to prominence in the Nigerian army before stepping into civilian politics, ultimately achieving the unprecedented feat of defeating an incumbent president as an opposition candidate in 2015.
Re-elected in 2019, he led until May 29, 2023, when he peacefully handed over power to Tinubu. Vice President Kashim Shettima will now travel to London to escort Buhari’s body back to Nigeria, as directed by Tinubu.
His two terms focused on three pillars: security, anti-corruption, and economic diversification. Buhari launched major campaigns against the Boko Haram insurgency in the northeast, oversaw efforts to recover billions in looted public funds, and championed agriculture and infrastructure projects. Yet his tenure also faced economic headwinds, including two recessions, and persistent security challenges across multiple regions.
As Nigeria reflects on his complex legacy, Buhari’s journey from military officer to democratic trailblazer offers a compelling chapter in the country’s evolving story.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
