By Aloysius Umalo, Makurdi
As the world bids farewell to former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, Chief Simon Shango, an elder statesman, has shared his thoughts on the life and legacy of the late former Nigerian leader.
Buhari, who served as both a Military Head of State and an elected President, left a lasting impact on the nation.
Shango emphasized that Buhari's integrity and contributions will be remembered by those who knew him well, although only time will reveal the true extent of his leadership impact.
The news of Buhari's passing on July 13, 2025, came as a surprise to many, considering his seemingly improved health compared to his time in office in 2015.
Shango highlighted the two distinct phases of Buhari's leadership - initially as a strict military ruler implementing significant reforms, and later as a democratically elected president facing challenges such as economic decline and increased corruption.
Shango pointed out that while Buhari's military rule was marked by reforms like the War Against Indiscipline and the Import Substitution Industrialization Policy, some believe that key figures like General Tunde Idiagbon and Ambassador Lawal Rafindadi played pivotal roles in shaping his policies.
In his second term as an elected president, expectations for a revival of transformative policies were high, but issues like social unrest and corruption persisted.
Critics have suggested that Buhari's hesitance to fully commit to Nigeria in his later years may have been influenced by past disappointments.
Despite his personal stance against corruption, there were instances where corrupt practices within his inner circle were overlooked.
As Buhari's legacy continues to be scrutinized, the final judgment of history on his leadership remains to be seen.
