Context:

Muhammadu Buhari, former Nigerian military ruler and later elected president, passed away at 82 after a career marked by both commitment to anti-corruption and controversy over human rights. Initially a military ruler known for his anti-corruption campaigns, Buhari transitioned to a democratic leader, achieving historic election victories in 2015 and 2019. Despite his reputation for personal honesty, his presidency was marred by economic challenges, security issues, and criticisms of slow governance. His decision to ban rice imports led to significant price hikes and disillusionment among supporters. Buhari's time in office also saw controversial policies like the naira swap policy, which aimed to limit electoral influence but resulted in widespread cash shortages and public dissatisfaction.

Dive Deeper:

• Muhammadu Buhari, known for his military background and disciplinarian style, first rose to power as a military ruler in 1983 through a coup, where he initiated stringent anti-corruption measures, but also faced criticisms for human rights abuses and press restrictions.

• After being ousted in 1985, Buhari re-emerged as a democratic leader, winning the presidency in 2015 and becoming the first opposition candidate to defeat an incumbent since Nigeria's return to multiparty democracy. He was re-elected in 2019 despite facing significant economic and security challenges.

• Buhari's administration was criticized for its handling of Nigeria's economic downturn, spurred by a global slump in oil prices, and for its inability to effectively tackle the Islamist insurgency of Boko Haram, which remained a persistent threat during his tenure.

• His policy to ban rice imports aimed to boost local agriculture but resulted in a dramatic increase in rice prices, leading to widespread discontent among the populace, as local producers struggled to meet demand, causing food insecurity.

• Buhari's presidency also saw the implementation of the controversial naira swap policy, intended to curb electoral corruption by replacing old currency notes with new ones. However, the policy led to cash shortages, exacerbating economic hardships, and was perceived as a political move against his successor.

• Throughout his life, Buhari was seen as a figure who maintained personal integrity, yet his leadership style and policies often sparked debate over efficiency and human rights, leaving a complex legacy in Nigerian politics.

• His declining health during his presidency led to significant absences from governance, raising concerns about transparency regarding his capability to fulfill his duties as head of state, which remained a contentious issue until his passing.