LIFE AND TIME OF MUHAMMADU BUHARI

MUHAMMADU BUHARI

Soldier, Statesman, and Nigeria's Controversial Reformer (1942–2025)

Born on December 17, 1942, in Daura, Katsina State then Northern Region. Buhari hailed from a Fulani family of modest means. His father, Hardo Adamu, was a village head. After early Islamic education, Buhari attended Katsina Provincial Secondary School and joined the Nigerian Army in 1962. He trained at military academies in the UK Mons Officer Cadet School and the U.S. (U.S. Army War College), rising swiftly through the ranks during Nigeria’s turbulent post-independence era.

Buhari served as a platoon commander during the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970). His integrity and discipline earned him promotions, including roles as Governor of Northeastern State 1975–1976 and Federal Commissioner for Petroleum under Gen. Obasanjo. As head of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), he oversaw the construction of Nigeria’s major refineries.

On December 31, 1983, Major-General Buhari seized power in a bloodless coup, ousting the corrupt civilian government of Shehu Shagari. His regime launched the "War Against Indiscipline" (WAI).

Though praised for reducing graft, his government was criticized for human rights abuses (e.g., the Decree 4 press gag) and the execution of three drug traffickers under retroactive laws. He was overthrown in August 1985 by Gen. Ibrahim Babangida and detained for three years.

 

After his release, Buhari remained a vocal critic of military rule. He transitioned to politics.

Buhari’s historic 2015 victory as the first opposition candidate to unseat an incumbent made global headlines. His tenure was defined by three pillars security, economy, and anti-corruption. 

Buhari retired to Daura after handing power to Bola Tinubu in May 2023. In late 2024, he was hospitalized in Saudi Arabia for an undisclosed illness. He died on February 14, 2025, at 82, from multiple organ failure a UK hospital. Nigeria declared a week of mourning.

Buhari’s life mirrored Nigeria’s struggles, a soldier who became a democrat, an anti-corruption icon whose governance divided a nation. As historian Max Siollun noted. He fought corruption like a crusade but governed like a garrison.

May his soul rest well with God. My condolences to the family, the people of Katsina and our great Nation. 

Until the moment when will shall dance in white Greater Grace.

Oyugbo Jonah Osagie 

Oyugbo JONAH Osagie