By Prince Adeyemi Shonibare
A PRESIDENT FOR HARD TIMES
Muhammadu Buhari governed Nigeria during one of the most difficult periods in its post-independence history — marked by economic recession, collapsing oil prices, rising insecurity, institutional decay, and a global pandemic.
He inherited a nation under severe strain. Yet, through discipline, restraint, moral clarity, and firm institutional reforms, Buhari laid the foundations for long-term national recovery and structural stability.
FROM DAURA TO NATIONAL DESTINY
Born on December 17, 1942, in Daura, Katsina State, Buhari was raised in a modest and disciplined household where integrity, humility, and responsibility were core values.
He attended Daura Primary School, Mai’Adua Primary School, and Katsina Provincial Secondary School (Government College, Katsina). From childhood, he displayed remarkable discipline, leadership instinct, and moral restraint.
THE MAKING OF A SOLDIER
Buhari joined the Nigerian Army at 19 and underwent elite military training at:
Nigerian Military Training College, Kaduna
Mons Officer Cadet School, Aldershot, United Kingdom
Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, India
US Army War College
These experiences shaped his strategic discipline, leadership capacity, and institutional mindset.
A DISTINGUISHED MILITARY CAREER
He rose through key command positions — Platoon Commander, Company Commander, Battalion Commander, Brigade Commander, and General Officer Commanding (GOC).
As Federal Commissioner for Petroleum Resources and Chairman of NNPC, Buhari introduced discipline, accountability, and financial prudence into Nigeria’s oil sector.
HEAD OF STATE: WAR AGAINST INDISCIPLINE
As Head of State (1983–1985), Buhari launched the War Against Indiscipline (WAI), restoring public morality, civic responsibility, punctuality, and accountability, while confronting corruption head-on.
THE PRESIDENTIAL ERA: THE FOUNDATION PRESIDENT
Assuming office in 2015, Buhari inherited deep recession, massive infrastructure deficit, severe insecurity, rampant corruption, and 32 states unable to pay salaries.
His administration embarked on structural reforms, institutional rebuilding, and historic infrastructure revival.
POLITICAL NEUTRALITY & DEMOCRATIC INTEGRITY
Buhari governed with unmatched political restraint:
APC won Zamfara and Bayelsa but lost both through court rulings, which he respected.
APC lost Rivers elections following judicial decisions.
No governor was removed through federal interference.
Elections remained free, fair, and competitive.
“I belong to everybody and I belong to nobody.”
ELECTORAL & INSTITUTIONAL REFORMS
Electoral: BVA, IREV, digital voter cards, NIN enforcement.
Public Finance: Treasury Single Account (TSA), unified government revenue system, elimination of ghost workers.
These reforms strengthened transparency, credibility, and accountability.
INFRASTRUCTURE REVIVAL
Roads & Bridges: Second Niger Bridge, Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, Apapa–Oworoshoki, Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano, East–West Road, Enugu–Port Harcourt, Ishagamu–Benin.
Rail: Lagos–Ibadan, Abuja–Kaduna, Itakpe–Warri, Abuja Airport Rail, Port Harcourt–Maiduguri, Kano–Maradi.
Aviation: Modern international airports across all geopolitical zones.
POWER, ENERGY & OIL SECTOR TRANSFORMATION
Power: Electricity Act, Siemens Power Project, solar electrification of markets, schools, hospitals, and rural communities.
Oil & Gas: Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), NNPC to NNPCL, AKK Gas Pipeline, Nigeria–Morocco Gas Pipeline, satellite oil monitoring, modular refinery approvals.
EDUCATION & MILITARY ACADEMIC EXPANSION
Federal Universities: Health Sciences Azare, Wukari, Lafia, Dutse, Kashere.
Military & Specialized: Nigerian Army University Biu, Air Force Institute of Technology Kaduna, Maritime University Okerenkoko, Police Academy Wudil.
SECURITY RESTRUCTURING
38 military aircraft
400+ naval platforms
Massive police recruitment
NDLEA: 24,000 arrests, N450bn drug seizures
SOCIAL INTERVENTIONS & STATE BAILOUTS
Largest social investment programme in Nigeria’s history:
School feeding
TraderMoni & market women support
Conditional cash transfers
N-Power youth employment
Farmer support schemes
Bank of Industry SME financing
State bailouts: Over N2 trillion, saving 32 states from salary collapse. Rivers State alone received N80+ billion, even near elections.
FINTECH, DIGITAL ECONOMY & CREATIVE SECTOR BOOM
Nigeria became Africa’s fintech capital, birthing Flutterwave, Paystack, Kuda, Moniepoint, PalmPay, Opay, and Paga, while the creative economy surged, creating millions of youth jobs.
MORAL LEADERSHIP
Buhari lived simply, governed modestly, and ruled with restraint. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, he embodied discipline and moral clarity.
“Power is transient. Character is permanent.”
In politics — a temple of sinners — even Jesus had a Judas. The few corrupt officials under Buhari never diminished his personal uprightness, as all offenders were prosecuted.
NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL TRIBUTES
Barack Obama:
“Buhari is a man of integrity, deeply committed to Nigeria’s progress.”
African Union:
A reformist leader who strengthened governance and institutional stability.
Nigerian Civil Society:
Nigeria’s most personally incorruptible president.
FINAL VERDICT: THE FOUNDATION PRESIDENT
No leader could have repaired 56 years of structural decay in eight years.
Yet Buhari rebuilt institutions, revived infrastructure, reformed elections, secured energy policy, expanded education, and stabilized governance.
He was not perfect — but he was incorruptible.
Muhammadu Buhari served Nigeria with courage, restraint, discipline, and conscience.
May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.
History shall remember him kindly.
Nigeria shall honour his legacy.
https://www.firstweeklymagazine.com/muhammadu-buhari-the-incorruptible-statesman-a-life-of-discipline-service-and-national-rebuilding/
