Buhari in his Own Words
By Kabir Akintayo
Former President Muhammadu Buhari died in a London hospital yesterday.
The announcement was contained in a statement released by his spokesman, Garba Shehu.
Buhari served as Nigeria’s military Head of State from 1984 to 1985. He later became a democratically elected President in 2015, defeating the incumbent, President Goodluck Jonathan. He ruled for eight years and handed over power to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on May 29 2023.
Throughout his leadership, Buhari made several statements that stirred public discourse, dominated headlines, caused controversies and defined his legacy.
Here are ten of the most iconic quotes attributed to him:
1. “This generation of Nigerians and indeed future generations have no other country than Nigeria. We must stay here and salvage it together.”
Context: This quote was delivered in a national broadcast during Buhari’s military regime. It was a call for patriotism at a time when the country was grappling with economic instability, corruption, and widespread indiscipline. It remains one of his most enduring and quoted patriotic lines.
2. “Discipline is the soul of an army. It makes small numbers formidable.”
Context: In 1984, Buhari introduced the War Against Indiscipline (WAI) campaign, aimed at restoring civic responsibility and national order. The quote underscored his military-style governance and belief that discipline was essential for national development.
3. “We must set a new agenda for Nigeria. We must stop corruption, indiscipline and restore our national pride.”
Context: A central theme of Buhari’s military rule was anti-corruption. This quote reflected his regime’s justification for taking power via coup. He jailed corrupt politicians and pushed for moral and political reform, though his methods were often criticised as authoritarian.
4. “I belong to everybody and I belong to nobody.”
Context: Buhari made this memorable statement on May 29, 2015, during his inauguration as civilian president. It was intended to assure Nigerians of his neutrality and commitment to national unity over partisan loyalty. The line became iconic but was later met with skepticism by critics who alleged favoritism in governance.
5. “If Nigeria does not kill corruption, corruption will kill Nigeria.”
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Context: This quote, made after his 2015 election victory, reinforced Buhari’s anti-corruption mantra. It echoed his military-era rhetoric, portraying corruption as a threat to national survival. While the statement resonated with many, critics later argued that his anti-corruption war was lopsided and ineffective.
6. “Technically, we have won the war against Boko Haram”
Just months into his presidency, Buhari declared that Boko Haram had been “technically defeated.” At the time, major towns in the North-East had been liberated from insurgent control, but suicide bombings and ambushes continued. Critics called the claim premature and insensitive to ongoing casualties. This quote is now remembered as an example of political optimism colliding with harsh security realities. While territorial gains were made, insecurity evolved in other forms—banditry, herder-farmer clashes, and kidnappings—denting Buhari’s security legacy.
7. “Nigerian youths are lazy… they sit down, do nothing, and expect everything free because Nigeria is an oil-producing country.”
Context: In April 2018, during a panel discussion at the Commonwealth Business Forum in London, Buhari made this controversial remark while discussing youth unemployment. The backlash was swift and widespread, with many accusing him of insulting young Nigerians. The Presidency later claimed he was misquoted.
8. “The dog and the baboon will all be soaked in blood.”
Context: Perhaps his most contentious quote, Buhari reportedly made this statement at a 2012 campaign rally in Niger State amid rising political tension and fears of election rigging. The remark was widely interpreted as incitement, especially in light of the deadly 2011 post-election violence. Buhari later denied the violent intent.
9. “We will speak to them in the language they understand.”
Context: In June 2021, Buhari made this comment while addressing the activities of IPOB (Indigenous People of Biafra) in the Southeast. The statement sparked outrage for its perceived threat and insensitivity. Twitter deleted the tweet, leading to the Nigerian government suspending the platform for several months.
10. “My wife belongs to the kitchen, the living room, and the other room.”
Context: During a joint press conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in 2016, Buhari made this remark in response to public criticisms from his wife, Aisha Buhari. The statement drew widespread condemnation for its sexist undertone, though some of his supporters dismissed it as a joke.
Last line
President Buhari’s words, whether applauded or condemned, shaped national conversations and offered insight into his leadership style, psyche and mindset. These ten quotes reflect the evolution of his political persona—from a stern military ruler to a two-term civilian president—and the controversies that trailed him through decades of public life.
