As President Muhammadu Buhari’s second term as the leader of the Federal Republic of Nigeria comes to an end, it is a moment of reflection on his time in office. Buhari’s journey to the presidency was marked by multiple attempts, and after finally attaining the highest office in the land, one would have expected a leader who prioritized the prosperity of the nation over personal self-praise. Unfortunately, this has not been the case.
The eight years of President Buhari’s tenure were a crucial period for Nigeria. The country faced numerous challenges, ranging from a struggling economy to security threats, corruption, and social unrest. Buhari’s initial promise to tackle these issues head-on resonated with the Nigerian people, who were desperate for change and a departure from the status quo.
However, as his presidency unfolded, it became increasingly apparent that President Buhari’s focus was more on self-praise than on addressing the deep-rooted problems facing the nation. Instead of fostering an environment where prosperity and progress could flourish, Buhari seemed more interested in portraying himself as a saviour figure, often engaging in rhetoric that emphasized his own achievements rather than the collective accomplishments of his administration.
History has shown us that the true measure of a leader lies in their ability to effect positive change and leave a lasting legacy. It is not enough to merely claim success; it must be evidenced by tangible improvements in the lives of the people they govern. Unfortunately, during Buhari’s tenure, Nigeria witnessed only limited progress in crucial areas.
Economically, Nigeria struggled under Buhari’s leadership. Despite promises of diversification and reforms, the nation’s dependence on oil remained largely unchanged. The lack of significant strides in job creation and poverty alleviation left many Nigerians disillusioned, as they had hoped for a brighter future under Buhari’s administration.
Moreover, security challenges continued to plague the nation. The fight against Boko Haram and other extremist groups remained ongoing, with periodic surges in violence and the displacement of innocent civilians. The inability to effectively address these security threats has caused immense suffering and hindered the nation’s progress.
Corruption, a deeply ingrained issue in Nigerian society, was another area where Buhari’s administration fell short. While some high-profile cases were pursued, many critics argue that the fight against corruption lacked the necessary teeth to tackle the systemic issues at play. True progress requires more than a few symbolic victories; it necessitates comprehensive reforms and the establishment of robust institutions.
Instead of prioritizing the prosperity of future historians documenting his presidency, President Buhari seemed more concerned with shaping his own narrative. The constant self-praise and the tendency to deflect blame rather than take responsibility for shortcomings created a narrative of self-aggrandizement that failed to resonate with the Nigerian people.
As Nigeria moves forward with a new leadership, it is essential to learn from the missed opportunities of the past eight years. The incoming administration must be diligent in addressing the nation’s pressing issues, fostering an environment of inclusivity, transparency, and economic growth. Nigerian citizens deserve a leader who places their interests above personal glory and works tirelessly to create a prosperous and equitable society.
In conclusion, President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure as a two-term president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria will be remembered as a missed opportunity for genuine legacy. While there were pockets of progress, the overall narrative of his presidency was overshadowed by self-praise and a failure to deliver on crucial promises. As the baton is passed to a new administration, it is imperative that Nigeria learns from these shortcomings and works towards a brighter, more prosperous future for all its citizens.
