Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari Dies at 82
Nigeria has been plunged into mourning following the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on Sunday afternoon in London at the age of 82. The news was confirmed by his press secretary and has since sent shockwaves across the West African nation and beyond.
Born in 1942 in Nigeria’s northern region, Buhari rose to prominence as a military ruler in the 1980s before making a historic return as a democratically elected president in 2015. His landmark victory made him the first opposition candidate in Nigerian history to unseat a sitting president. Buhari ran on a bold platform promising to root out corruption and defeat terrorism. Yet, his presidency from 2015 to 2023 was marked by persistent challenges, including widespread insecurity, economic downturns, and criticisms over his handling of human rights and governance.
A Legacy of Power, Controversy and Reflection
After leaving office in 2023, Buhari remained a polarising figure. Supporters hailed him as a symbol of discipline and national integrity, while critics argued that he failed to deliver on his most important promises. Regardless of one’s stance, his influence on Nigerian political history is undeniable.
On Sunday evening, current President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a national period of mourning. Flags across the country are to fly at half-mast, and the Vice President has been dispatched to London to oversee the repatriation of Buhari’s remains. As Nigeria and the African continent reflect on his legacy, tributes are pouring in from political leaders, citizens, and international observers who remember the man, the general, and the president.
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