The greatest general is gone

BY SANI DANAUDI MOHAMMED

The nation has lost a great general, one who can be compared to some of the greatest generals in world history. Like Dwight D. Eisenhower, the supreme commander of the Allied Forces in World War II, Muhammadu Buhari demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and strategic thinking. Like Georgy Zhukov, the Soviet Union’s most prominent general during World War II, Buhari showed remarkable bravery and tactical genius. And like Norman Schwarzkopf Jr., the commander of the US-led coalition in the Gulf War, Buhari’s leadership was marked by decisiveness and a commitment to protecting his nation.

Nigerians and politicians alike will deeply miss the affable and charismatic presence of Muhammadu Buhari. His ability to bring people together with his jokes, laughter, and jovial comments will be remembered for years to come. His warm personality and infectious humour made him a beloved figure, and his passing leaves a void in the nation’s social fabric.

The nation mourns the passing of Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, a towering figure in Nigerian history, who left an indelible mark on the country’s landscape. Born on December 17, 1942, in Daura, Katsina state, Buhari’s life was a testament to his unwavering commitment to public service and nation-building. As a son of a soldier, Buhari’s life was intertwined with the military, and his exploits as a commander and governor of the entire northeast are still talked about today with a mix of awe and reverence.

Buhari’s early life was shaped by his upbringing in a traditional Hausa-Fulani family, where discipline and hard work were deeply ingrained. He attended Katsina Middle School and later proceeded to the Nigerian Military Training College in Kaduna, where he began his military training. His military career was marked by a series of notable postings, including his role as a commander in the Nigerian Army, where he distinguished himself for his bravery and strategic thinking.

As a young cadet, Buhari’s stories of crushing Maitasine and chasing bandits into Chad resonated deeply with his peers and superiors alike. His commitment to discipline and order was evident in his War Against Indiscipline program when he became head of state in 1983, an initiative that had a lasting impact on the nation’s conscience and promoted patriotism among Nigerians. This program was a hallmark of his leadership style, which emphasised accountability, transparency, and discipline.

Buhari’s leadership style was characterised by his unwavering commitment to his principles, which earned him respect from many Nigerians. As President, he demonstrated remarkable courage and steadfastness in the face of adversity, navigating complex issues with a steady hand. His ability to keep his word was legendary, and his discipline and frugality set him apart from others, earning him a reputation as a leader who was true to his word.

One of his most notable qualities was his dedication to giving to the poor and most vulnerable in society. His numerous pro-poor social interventions, such as the Conditional Cash Transfer program and the N-Power scheme, aimed to provide a social safety net for millions of Nigerians, showcasing his compassion and commitment to the well-being of the citizenry. These initiatives had a significant impact on the lives of many Nigerians, providing hope and opportunities for a better future.

As a crisis manager, Buhari proved himself adept at handling complex situations, often taking decisive action to prevent the country from imploding. During the EndSARS protests in 2020, he took steps to address the grievances of the protesters while maintaining law and order, demonstrating his ability to balance competing interests and find solutions to seemingly intractable problems. His experience and leadership skills helped to stabilise the situation, and his commitment to maintaining order was evident.

Buhari’s investments in the military were also impressive, given the neglect of many years. He prioritised the welfare of soldiers, recognising their crucial role in maintaining national security and combating insurgency. His leadership and vision for the military will be remembered for years to come, as he worked tirelessly to modernise the armed forces and equip them with the necessary tools to tackle the security challenges facing the nation.

Despite the challenges posed by insurgency, Buhari remained resolute in his commitment to national security, working closely with security agencies to develop strategies to combat the threat. His approach to tackling this complex issue was multifaceted, and he worked tirelessly to find solutions that would bring peace and stability to the affected regions. While critics may argue that his approach was oversimplified, Buhari’s commitment to finding solutions and protecting Nigerians remained unwavering.

Buhari’s family life was marked by discipline and minimal interference in state affairs, a testament to his commitment to separating his personal life from his public duties. This approach helped to protect his family from the dangers of undue exposure and ensured that they remained grounded. His commitment to his faith was also evident, and he lived a life guided by Islamic principles, which emphasised compassion, justice, and fairness.

As a leader, Buhari inspired loyalty and admiration from many Nigerians, who saw him as a champion of their interests. His integrity and honesty earned him respect from many, and his legacy will continue to shape the nation’s conscience. His passing is a great loss, but his impact on Nigeria will be felt for generations to come, as his leadership style and commitment to public service continue to inspire future generations of leaders.

Buhari’s leadership style was not without its challenges, and critics argued that his approach to governance was often too rigid and inflexible. However, his commitment to finding solutions and protecting Nigerians remained unwavering, and he worked tirelessly to address the development challenges facing the nation. His legacy is a testament to his dedication to public service and nation-building.

As the nation mourns Buhari’s passing, we remember his remarkable life and legacy, marked by a deep commitment to public service and nation-building. He was a true patriot who served Nigeria honestly and diligently, leaving an indelible mark on the country’s history. His leadership style, characterized by discipline, integrity, and compassion, earned him respect from many Nigerians. As a statesman, Buhari’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations of leaders, and his impact on Nigeria will be felt for years to come.

As we bid farewell to a great leader, we are reminded of the importance of living a life of purpose and service. Buhari’s passing leaves a void, but his legacy will endure, inspiring others to follow in his footsteps. May Almighty Allah grant him Aljannah and grant his family the strength to bear this irreparable loss.

The nation extends its condolences to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the emirate of Daura, Aisha, his beloved wife, and his children. May they find solace in the memories of his remarkable life and legacy. As we reflect on Buhari’s life, we are reminded of his remarkable leadership qualities, which earned him the respect of many Nigerians.

Buhari’s passing is a great loss, but his legacy will continue to shape the nation’s conscience. He was a general who led an army of sheep, but his impact on Nigeria was profound. His commitment to public service and nation-building will remain an inspiration to many, and his legacy will endure for generations to come.

The passing of Muhammadu Buhari will undoubtedly have a profound impact on the direction of Nigerian politics, leaving many of his followers and supporters in a state of uncertainty. With his departure, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and other affiliated groups will need to regroup and redefine their strategies, which may lead to a shift in the country’s political landscape.

As a result, many politicians’ fates will hang in the balance, with some potentially re-aligning themselves with other parties or factions, while others may seek to fill the leadership vacuum left by Buhari’s passing. The future of Nigerian politics is now uncertain, and it remains to be seen how the country’s political actors will navigate this new reality.

To those who cherished his leadership, let his principles guide you forward. May his enduring legacy be a source of inspiration for the nation, and may the memories of his impact bring blessings to all who were touched by his life.

For those who stood by him, continue to uphold the values he embodied. May his legacy remain a beacon of hope and guidance for the country, and may the recollection of his contributions be a source of peace and inspiration.

Let those who admired his vision remain committed to the ideals he represented. May his lasting impact on the nation be a testament to his character, and may his memory serve as a reminder of the importance of integrity and service.

To his supporters and admirers, may his legacy be a guiding light in these times. May the principles he stood for continue to shape the nation’s path, and may his memory be a blessing to all who knew him and were inspired by his leadership.

May his soul rest in Jannatul Firdausi. Ameen.

Danaudi writes from Bauchi via [email protected]