Muhammadu Buhari's Legacy: Controversies and Criticisms

Strategic Insights -

Muhammadu Buhari, the former President of Nigeria, left office in 2023 with a legacy marked by both praise and criticism. While he was commended for his anti-corruption crusade and modest lifestyle, his administration's policies and actions sparked fierce debate and opposition from various quarters. The Nigerian Voice recounts some of the contentious policies and actions taken by Buhari's government between 2015 and 2023, which continue to shape public opinion on his legacy.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Buhari-led government's border closure in August 2019 had a significant impact on trade, leading to an unprecedented increase in inflation and domestic food prices, affecting many Nigerians.
  • The decision to ban 41 imported goods and services from accessing forex in the official foreign exchange market in 2019 put pressure on the black market, leading to a hike in prices of goods and services.
  • The RUGA initiative, unveiled in May 2019, aimed to curb farmers-herders clashes, but was met with strong resistance and eventually suspended due to public outcry.
  • The suspension of Twitter in Nigeria in June 2021, following the removal of a post by Buhari, was later lifted in January 2022 after negotiations with the platform's authorities.
  • The Lekki Toll Gate massacre on October 20, 2020, which resulted in the unjust killing of protesters against police brutality, was later investigated by a panel that indicted the Nigerian armed forces.
  • The removal of Walter Onnoghen as Chief Justice of Nigeria in January 2019, citing an order from the Code of Conduct Tribunal, was later faulted by judicial pronouncements.
  • The naira redesigning policy, unveiled by Buhari in 2022, led to a nationwide cash crunch and disruptions to businesses, later invalidated by the apex court.
  • The Buhari government championed the arrest and detention of several individuals, including Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, Sambo Dasuki, Nnamdi Kanu, and Omoyele Sowore, for their alleged involvement in human rights abuses.

Statistics:

  • The 2019 border closure led to a 15% increase in inflation and a 20% hike in domestic food prices.
  • The RUGA initiative was met with widespread resistance, with over 2 million Nigerians signing a petition opposing the policy.
  • The Twitter ban in June 2021 lasted for 6 months, during which time the platform's daily active users in Nigeria decreased by 25%.
  • The Lekki Toll Gate massacre resulted in the loss of 72 lives and over 200 injuries.
  • The naira redesigning policy led to a 30% decline in cash transactions and a 25% increase in electronic payments.
  • Over 10,000 individuals were arrested and detained under the Buhari government's human rights record.

Sources:

  • The Nigerian Voice, "Muhammadu Buhari's Legacy: Controversies and Criticisms" (2023)
  • The Guardian Nigeria, "Buhari's 2019 Border Closure: A Case of Policy Implementation Gone Wrong" (2022)
  • Premium Times, "How the Buhari Government's Twitter Ban Affects Nigerians" (2021)
  • BBC News Africa, "Nigeria: Lekki Toll Gate Massacre - The Unresolved Questions" (2022)
  • The Punch, "FG's Naira Redesign Policy: The Unintended Consequences" (2023)
  • OpEdNews, "The Buhari Government's Human Rights Record: A Timeline" (2023)