Former Nigeria President Muhammadu Buhari has died in a London hospital in the United Kingdom. His death was announced on Sunday.
Buhari ruled Nigeria as head of state of a military government between 1983 to 1985, where he implemented war against indiscipline (WAI). He became the president of Nigeria in 2015, after defeating an incumbent president, Goodluck Jonathan. He served two terms before leaving office in 2023.
During his tenure, he was criticized for being too slow in making decisions, as it took him a long time before naming his cabinet. He was accused of giving preferential treatments to people from the northern part of Nigeria.
Buhari battled with a number of health issues during his tenure, including”ear infection” and had to travel to UK regularly to take care of his health.
He was noted for his honesty and zero-tolerance to corruption, however, he struggled to run a corruption-free government.
During his tenure, Nigeria’s economy dipped, following many of his decisions, including the excessive printing of naira. He also borrowed heavily while in office.
In a statement, former governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomole attributed the country’s high cost of living to one of the decisions of the previous government under Buhari.
“To understand the root cause of the present cost of living and the exchange rate regime, you must trace it and locate it in terms of the excessive amount of banknotes through so-called Ways and Means which the past government created and which this government has eliminated,” Oshiomole said.
Buhari is survived by his wife, Aisha and 10 children.
