“Buhari: A Blunt, Honest Leader Who Laughed at His Own Predicament”
The news of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s passing hit me with a deep, personal sadness. Even as I submit completely to the will of the Almighty, I cannot help but reflect on the life of a man I came to know closely — a principled, selfless leader who gave up personal comfort in his quest to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy and its institutions.
Often misunderstood by many, President Buhari was deeply committed to the welfare of the ordinary citizen and worked tirelessly for their upliftment. Nigeria has not only lost a former President but a statesman whose unwavering commitment to justice for the poor and the unity of our nation defined his legacy.
I had the rare privilege of knowing President Muhammadu Buhari at close quarters. He often referred to me as his “neighbour,” having once acquired a plot of land directly behind his house in Daura. President Buhari was famously blunt — he spoke his mind without embellishment or sugar-coating.
Over the course of my career, I interviewed him on several occasions. Despite our familiarity, I never hesitated to ask him the most difficult and probing questions. One such moment came in the lead-up to the 2015 general elections, when all signs pointed to his impending victory. Surrounded by members of his media team, I asked him directly: How could a former military dictator reinvent himself as a democratic civilian president?
His media aides quickly tried to intervene and stop him from responding, but he waved them off and insisted they let me do my job. He didn’t just allow the question — he welcomed it. That was Buhari: unafraid of scrutiny, never too proud to be questioned.
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Even as President of the largest Black nation on earth, Muhammadu Buhari embodied humility and simplicity. He lived an austere life, owning only two known houses — one in Daura and the other in Kaduna. Behind his reserved demeanour, he possessed a sharp and often wicked sense of humour, appreciated only by those who knew him well.
I recall vividly an encounter shortly after I assumed office as the Director-General of FRCN. I visited him in his Presidential office to seek his counsel. Having spent most of my career outside Nigeria — apart from brief stints as a graduate assistant at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) and Bayero University, Kano (BUK) — I felt it was wise to draw from his wealth of experience.
During our conversation, he shared a striking insight: “There is nothing harder than governing Nigerians,” he said thoughtfully. Curious, I asked why. With characteristic honesty, he explained, “For every proposal presented to me, there are several counter-proposals, leaving me with the difficult task of making the final decision.”
I couldn’t resist teasing him, reminding him that he had fought so hard for the position, finally succeeding only on his fourth attempt. He chuckled and admitted, “That is true. I even prayed deep into the nights for victory.” Then, with a wry smile, he laughed softly at what he called his own “predicament.”
May the Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings, grant him eternal rest in Jannatul Firdaus, and comfort all who mourn his passing — especially his beloved wife, Her Excellency Aisha Buhari, his children, the entire family of the late Durbin Daura, Alhaji Dauda Daura, the Daura Emirate, and the nation at large, as we come to terms with this profound loss.
Dr. Mansur Liman
Former Editor, BBC Hausa Service
Former DG, FRCN
