Advertisement
Buhari’s death: Mudavadi honours late Nigerian president’s military legacy
14th July, 2025 12:34 PM
Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi expressed deep condolences following the passing of former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari.
Buhari died in London on July 13, 2025, at the age of 82 after a prolonged illness
Mudavadi on Monday July 14, 2025, paid tribute to Buhari’s remarkable journey from a disciplined military leader to a democratically elected President.
He took to X to issue a heartfelt message:
“I extend my condolences to H.E. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as well as to the family, friends, and the entire Nigerian nation, on the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari,” he wrote.
“President Buhari will be remembered for his remarkable journey from a disciplined military leader to a democratically elected President who earned the trust of Nigerians for two consecutive terms. His steadfast commitment to public service, integrity, and the unity of Nigeria leaves a legacy that will inspire generations to come.”
Soldier-turned-president
Born on December 17, 1942, in Daura, Nigeria, Buhari embarked on his military career in 1961, studying at the Nigerian Military Training College and rising to the rank of Major General.
He played a significant role in the Nigerian Civil War during the late 1960s and led a military coup in 1983, serving as head of state until 1985.
His junta administration, noted for the harsh ‘war against indiscipline’ was marked by widespread discipline campaigns—imprisoning late-arriving civil servants and enforcing public order—but also criticised for its authoritarian approach.
Buhari reemerged in politics as a civilian, and in a groundbreaking victory in 2015, became the first opposition candidate to defeat a sitting Nigerian president when he trounced Goodluck Jonathan.
He secured a second term in 2019 but faced enduring challenges, including economic difficulty, high unemployment, and ongoing conflict with Boko Haram
Death in London
Buhari’s health had been faltering in recent years, and he passed away in London on July 13, 2025.
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu announced that the country would observe a period of mourning and bring Buhari’s body home for Muslim funeral rites.
Reactions to Buhari’s legacy have been deeply mixed.
He was widely praised for his anti-corruption efforts and firm resolve against Boko Haram, though his tenure saw economic contraction, high inflation, and crackdowns on press freedom, most notably during the 2020 #EndSARS protests.
In Kenya and across Africa, Mudavadi’s tribute stood out for its emphasis on Buhari’s transformation from military ruler to elected statesman.
By highlighting his “steadfast commitment to public service, integrity, and unity,” Mudavadi underscored a side of Buhari’s legacy often eclipsed by controversies.
Such a tribute resonates in Nairobi’s political circles, where Mudavadi, like Buhari, is often seen as a principled moderate.
As Nigeria prepares for a state funeral and national mourning, the continent’s observers are reflecting on Buhari’s enduring influence.
His death invites renewed debate over the balance between order and democracy, discipline and dissent.
Mudavadi’s tribute could also be viewed as a diplomatic gesture, reaffirming ties between Nairobi and Abuja while engaging with broader African leadership legacies.
Whether Buhari’s steadfast military discipline or his democratic comeback will define his place in history remains a subject of debate.
For now, Mudavadi’s words echo across national borders, honouring a figure whose life embodied both the promise and the perils of power.
Author
Martin Oduor
The alchemist of literary works - a master wordsmith with a proven record of transforming the raw materials of language into a rich tapestry of emotion, thought, and imagination.
View all posts by Martin Oduor
