Former President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, died on July 13, 2025, leaving a legacy of service and dedication to the pristine values of discipline, hard work, and honesty.
In no small measure, the outpouring of eulogies from leaders across the world attests to former President Buhari’s stature as a significant and well-respected leader. He lived an eventful life hedged around sacred principles. He lived and died an honourable man.
It was deeply stirring to see hundreds of people withstand hours of heat on the roadsides — from Katsina to Daura — to say their goodbyes to Mai Gaskiya.
But there seems to be a very small but vocal minority who, despite the solemnity of the occasion, has tried to diminish the place of President Buhari in the pantheon of Nigeria’s remarkable leaders. To those on this foolhardy pursuit, I say, as the pages of Nigeria’s history are written in the future, President Buhari’s name will remain indelible.
To those, who are concerned about extracting political tolls from President Buhari’s passing, I suggest they should rather take lessons of leadership from his life – a man who rose from humble beginnings, spent his life in service of the motherland, embodying uncommon integrity and earning the love and admiration of his people.
It is my opinion that the vital lessons from Muhammadu Buhari’s eventful journey through life include: The foundation of enduring leadership is authenticity. There was clear consistency with President Buhari in all seasons.
He was unpretentious, frugal, reserved, humble, and honest. He did not pretend to be what he was not. Some people liked him, and some did not. He was consistently loyal to Nigerians – both high and low.
Character moulded by self-discipline provided the scaffolding for Buhari’s courage and conviction. He was known as a disciplined man, exemplifying integrity in all its ramifications. This rare quality fortified him against multiple personal and political shocks. Many Nigerians know that, as President, Muhammadu Buhari always acted in what he considered to be the best interest of the country. This character trait was demonstrated across his public service stints — from the military to political office, and even after office.
Buhari understood leadership as stewardship. This was reflected in his consistent respect for institutions and established processes. The structure of his administration remained relatively stable for eight years. While some may accuse him of being slow in making decisions, President Buhari was evidently a stickler for due process.
When his time in office was up, he retired happily to Daura to live among his people and tend his farm. In many ways, similar to the Roman General, Cincinnatus (BC), who served the public when warranted and immediately returned home afterwards to his farm.
It is evident that Muhammadu Buhari did not take life too seriously. He was fully conscious of the ephemerality of life. He had no appetite for material things. He did not have dozens of houses, business interests, exotic clothing, and items. He lived a decent life. He laughed well at himself and shared joy and laughter with many.
There are many more lessons to be taken from the late former President’s life.
At this time of national mourning, in consonance with His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu’s directive on praying and reflecting on Buhari’s life, we will all be served well if we reflect on and imbibe the lessons from the life of the beloved departed leader. Of course, Muhammadu Buhari has his many failings, as any man does. Perfection is with God and it is best to leave final judgement to Him.
May Allah SWT forgive and grant President Muhammadu Buhari aljannah firdaus. May the family he left behind be blessed. May Allah continue to strengthen and guide President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. May Allah SWT bless Nigeria, unite us all, and give us a fine conclusion, Amin.
Muhammad Ali Pate, CON, is Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare. He spoke at the extended special Federal Executive Council in honour of late Presisent Muhammqdu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. July 16, 2025
