Muhammadu Buhari

Early Life and Background

Muhammadu Buhari was born on December 17, 1942, in Daura, Katsina State, which was then part of the Northern Region of British Nigeria. His father was Hardo Adamu, a Fulani chief, and his mother was Zulaihat. He was the twenty-third child of his father, a small-town chief. Buhari's father died when he was about four years old, and he was raised by his mother. He belongs to the Fulani ethnic group, a prominent nomadic pastoralist group in West Africa, and his early life was shaped by the cultural and religious traditions of northern Nigeria. He grew up in a rural setting, which instilled in him a disciplined and austere outlook that would later define much of his public life.

Education

Buhari received his early education in Daura and Mai'adua, attending primary school there. He then proceeded to Katsina Provincial Secondary School, which is now known as Government College Katsina, from 1956 to 1961. Upon completing his secondary education, he embarked on a military career. In 1961, he enrolled at the Nigerian Military Training College (NMTC) in Kaduna. From 1962 to 1963, he underwent officer cadet training at the Mons Officer Cadet School in Aldershot, England, where he was commissioned as a second lieutenant. He later attended the Mechanical Transport Officer's Course at the Army Mechanical Transport School in Borden, United Kingdom, in 1964. In 1973, he attended the Defence Services Staff College in Wellington, India. His higher military education culminated at the United States Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, USA, where he earned a Master's Degree in Strategic Studies in 1979.

Career

Buhari's military career began in 1961 when he joined the Nigerian Army. He held various command and staff positions throughout his distinguished military service. These included Platoon Commander, 2nd Reconnaissance Squadron (1963-1964); Transport Company Commander, 2nd Infantry Brigade (1964-1965); Battalion Second-in-Command, 1st Guards Battalion (1965-1967); and Commander, 2nd Sector, 1st Division (1967-1968), during the Nigerian Civil War. He also served as Brigade Major, 3rd Infantry Brigade (1968-1969); Acting Director of Transport and Supply, Nigerian Army Corps of Supply and Transport (1970-1971); and Military Secretary, Army Headquarters (1971-1972). In 1975, following the coup that brought General Murtala Mohammed to power, Buhari was appointed Military Governor of the North-Eastern State, a position he held until 1976. From 1976 to 1978, he served as the Federal Commissioner (Minister) for Petroleum and Natural Resources under General Olusegun Obasanjo's military regime. During this period, he was also the Chairman of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) from 1978 to 1979. He rose to the rank of Major General and was the General Officer Commanding, 3rd Armoured Division, Jos, from 1981 to 1983.

On December 31, 1983, Major General Muhammadu Buhari led a military coup that overthrew the democratically elected government of President Shehu Shagari. He became the Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, leading the Supreme Military Council (SMC) until August 27, 1985, when he was himself overthrown by General Ibrahim Babangida. During his tenure as military head of state, Buhari implemented a strict regime known as the 'War Against Indiscipline' (WAI), which aimed to curb corruption, promote public morality, and foster national discipline. After his overthrow, he was detained for three years. In 1994, under the regime of General Sani Abacha, Buhari was appointed Chairman of the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF), a body responsible for managing funds accruing from petroleum subsidy removal for infrastructural development. He oversaw significant projects in roads, health, education, and water resources until the PTF was disbanded in 1999.

Buhari transitioned to democratic politics in 2003, contesting the presidential election under the platform of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) but lost to Olusegun Obasanjo. He ran again in 2007, losing to Umaru Musa Yar'Adua, and in 2011, under the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), losing to Goodluck Jonathan. His persistence paid off in 2015 when, as a candidate of the newly formed All Progressives Congress (APC), a merger of several opposition parties, he defeated incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan. This marked the first time in Nigeria's history that an incumbent president lost a general election. He was sworn in on May 29, 2015, and re-elected for a second term in February 2019, defeating Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). His presidency focused on three key areas: security, anti-corruption, and economic diversification. He launched various initiatives to combat the Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East, banditry in the North-West, and farmer-herder clashes across the country. His administration also pursued aggressive anti-corruption campaigns, leading to the recovery of stolen assets and prosecution of high-profile individuals. Economically, his government aimed to reduce Nigeria's reliance on oil through investments in agriculture, infrastructure, and small and medium-sized enterprises.

Major Achievements

During his time as military Head of State (1983-1985), Muhammadu Buhari is largely remembered for initiating the 'War Against Indiscipline' (WAI), a nationwide program designed to instill discipline, patriotism, and public morality among Nigerians. Although criticized for its authoritarian methods, WAI brought a temporary sense of order and cleanliness to public life. His administration also took firm steps against corruption, prosecuting numerous public officials. As Chairman of the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF) from 1994 to 1999, Buhari successfully oversaw the implementation of significant infrastructure projects, including the rehabilitation of roads, supply of medical equipment to hospitals, and provision of educational materials to schools, which were widely acknowledged for their impact and efficient management. As a democratically elected President (2015-2023), a major achievement was the peaceful transfer of power in 2015, demonstrating Nigeria's commitment to democratic principles. His administration made considerable progress in degrading the operational capacity of Boko Haram, reclaiming territories previously held by the insurgents, and launching several social investment programs aimed at poverty alleviation and youth empowerment, such as N-Power and the Conditional Cash Transfer program. Significant investments were also made in critical infrastructure, including the modernization of railway networks and construction of new roads and bridges across the country.

Controversies

Muhammadu Buhari's career has not been without controversy. His military regime (1983-1985) was widely criticized for its authoritarian tendencies and human rights abuses, including the promulgation of Decree No. 2, which allowed for the detention of individuals without trial, and Decree No. 4, which gagged the press. The execution of drug traffickers, despite the offenses not carrying the death penalty at the time they were committed, also drew international condemnation. His overthrow in 1985 was partly attributed to these heavy-handed policies. During his democratic presidency (2015-2023), Buhari faced criticism over his handling of the economy, particularly during the 2016 recession and subsequent slow growth, which led to high unemployment and inflation rates. His administration was also criticized for its perceived selective application of the rule of law, with some accusing it of targeting political opponents under the guise of anti-corruption. Furthermore, the persistent insecurity challenges, including the rise of banditry, kidnappings, and ongoing farmer-herder clashes, despite efforts to combat them, remained a significant point of contention. His prolonged medical trips abroad for undisclosed ailments also raised concerns about transparency and governance.

Personal Life

Muhammadu Buhari was first married to Safinatu Yusuf in 1971. They had five children together: Zulaihat (deceased), Fatima, Musa (deceased), Hadiza, and Safinatu. The marriage ended in divorce in 1988. In 1989, he married Aisha Halilu, with whom he has five children: Aisha, Halima, Yusuf, Zahra, and Amina. Buhari is known for maintaining a relatively private personal life, often portraying an image of simplicity and austerity. He is a devout Muslim. Throughout his political career, his health became a subject of public discussion, particularly during his first term as president when he spent extended periods in the United Kingdom for medical treatment, leading to public speculation and concern about his ability to govern.

Legacy

Muhammadu Buhari's legacy is complex and multifaceted. He is widely revered by many, particularly in northern Nigeria, for his perceived integrity, incorruptibility, and commitment to public service, earning him the moniker 'Mai Gaskiya' (the truthful one). His anti-corruption stance has been a defining feature of his public life, from his military rule to his democratic presidency, and he is credited with bringing some level of accountability to governance. As a former military Head of State who successfully transitioned to a democratically elected President, he represented a unique trajectory in Nigerian politics. His administration's efforts in infrastructure development, particularly in railways and roads, are expected to have long-term positive impacts on the Nigerian economy. However, his legacy is also marked by significant criticisms, including concerns about human rights during his military regime, economic challenges and slow growth during his presidency, and the persistent security crises that plagued the nation. His critics often point to his perceived authoritarian tendencies and the erosion of democratic institutions under his watch. Ultimately, Buhari's legacy is likely to be debated for years to come, reflecting the deeply divided opinions on his leadership and impact on Nigeria.