History of General Muhammadu Buhari

 


History of General Muhammadu Buhari

Muhammadu Buhari is a Nigerian military officer, politician, and statesman who served as Nigeria’s Head of State (1983–1985) and democratically elected President (2015–2023). His career has been marked by military rule, political opposition, and democratic governance. Below is a detailed account of his life and contributions.


Early Life and Education (1942–1961)

  • Born on December 17, 1942, in Daura, Katsina State, Northern Nigeria.
  • He is of Fulani ethnicity and was raised in a large family.
  • His father, Mallam Hardo Adamu, was a Fulani chieftain, but he died when Buhari was about four years old.
  • Buhari was raised by his mother, Zulaihat Buhari, who emphasized discipline and education.

Education & Military Training

  • Attended Katsina Middle School (now Government College, Katsina), where he completed his primary and secondary education.
  • At 19 years old (1961), he joined the Nigerian Military Training College (NMTC), which later became the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA).
  • Military Training Abroad:
    • United Kingdom – Mons Officer Cadet School, Aldershot.
    • India – Defence Services Staff College, Wellington.
    • United States – U.S. Army War College.

Military Career (1962–1985)

Role in the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970)

  • During the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970), Buhari was a key commander in the fight against the secessionist state of Biafra.
  • Served as commander of the 2nd Infantry Battalion and later as Adjutant General of the Nigerian Army.

Role in Military Coups (1966–1983)

  • July 1966 Coup: Participated in the counter-coup led by Northern officers that removed General Aguiyi-Ironsi and installed General Yakubu Gowon.
  • 1975 Coup: Played a role in overthrowing General Gowon, bringing General Murtala Muhammed to power.
  • 1976 (Dimka Coup Attempt): Served under General Olusegun Obasanjo after Murtala was assassinated.
  • 1979–1983: Under President Shehu Shagari, Buhari served as General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 3rd Armored Division in Jos.

1983 Military Coup – Buhari Becomes Head of State

  • On December 31, 1983, Buhari led a coup that removed the civilian government of Shehu Shagari.
  • He cited corruption, economic mismanagement, and insecurity as reasons for the coup.

Military Head of State (1983–1985)

Buhari ruled Nigeria as Head of State from December 31, 1983, to August 27, 1985.

Key Policies

1. War Against Indiscipline (WAI)

  • Launched in 1984 to promote discipline, punctuality, and order.
  • Enforced queue culture, sanctions for tardiness, and anti-corruption measures.

2. Anti-Corruption Drive

  • Arrested and jailed many politicians from the Shagari regime for corruption and mismanagement.
  • Introduced death penalty for drug trafficking.

3. Economic Policies

  • Buhari rejected IMF loans and attempted to revive Nigeria’s economy through austerity measures.
  • Enforced foreign exchange restrictions, but this led to economic hardship.

4. Press and Political Suppression

  • Introduced Decree No. 4, which criminalized criticism of the government.
  • Arrested journalists and political opponents.

1985 Coup – Buhari’s Overthrow and Detention

  • On August 27, 1985, General Ibrahim Babangida overthrew Buhari in a palace coup.
  • Buhari was accused of being too rigid and failing to manage the economy effectively.
  • He was detained for nearly three years (1985–1988) in Benin City, Nigeria.

Return to Politics (2003–2015)

Failed Presidential Elections

  • After being released, Buhari stayed out of politics until 1999, when democracy was restored.
  • Contested for president three times but lost:
    • 2003 (All Nigeria People’s Party – ANPP) to Olusegun Obasanjo.
    • 2007 (ANPP) to Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.
    • 2011 (Congress for Progressive Change – CPC) to Goodluck Jonathan.

2015 Presidential Election Victory

  • In 2013, Buhari merged his CPC with other opposition parties to form the All Progressives Congress (APC).
  • In 2015, he defeated incumbent Goodluck Jonathan—becoming the first Nigerian opposition candidate to win an election against a sitting president.

Democratic Presidency (2015–2023)

Buhari served as Nigeria’s president from May 29, 2015, to May 29, 2023.

Key Achievements & Policies

1. Anti-Corruption Drive

  • Established EFCC (Economic and Financial Crimes Commission) investigations into corrupt officials.
  • Several former governors and ministers were prosecuted.

2. Security and Boko Haram Fight

  • Focused on defeating Boko Haram insurgents in the Northeast.
  • Established Operation Lafiya Dole, which weakened the group but did not fully eliminate them.

3. Economic Reforms

  • Pushed for economic diversification into agriculture and manufacturing.
  • Faced recession in 2016 and inflation due to oil price crashes.

4. Infrastructure Development

  • Launched projects like the Second Niger Bridge, Lagos-Ibadan railway, and Abuja-Kaduna rail.

5. #EndSARS Protests and Human Rights Concerns

  • Faced major protests in October 2020, when Nigerian youths demonstrated against police brutality (#EndSARS).
  • The Lekki Toll Gate Shooting worsened public criticism of his government.

Muhammadu Buhari's Achievements and Challenges as Nigeria’s Leader (2015–2023)

Muhammadu Buhari served as Nigeria’s President from May 29, 2015, to May 29, 2023. His leadership was marked by significant achievements, but also major challenges that shaped Nigeria’s political, economic, and security landscape.


Key Achievements of Buhari’s Presidency

1. Anti-Corruption Drive

  • Strengthened anti-corruption institutions, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC).
  • Launched Whistleblower Policy (2016), which helped recover billions of Naira in stolen funds.
  • Several politicians, including ex-governors and ministers, were investigated and prosecuted for corruption.
  • Implemented Treasury Single Account (TSA) to prevent government funds mismanagement.

2. Security and Counter-Terrorism

  • Weakened Boko Haram insurgents in the Northeast by recapturing major territories they controlled in 2015.
  • Introduced Operation Lafiya Dole, which reduced Boko Haram’s territorial control.
  • Acquired modern military equipment, including Super Tucano fighter jets from the U.S.
  • Crushed the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) separatist movement, declaring it a terrorist organization.

3. Infrastructure Development

  • Focused on roads, railways, bridges, and power projects:
    • Lagos-Ibadan Railway (2021) and Abuja-Kaduna Railway (2016) modernized rail transport.
    • Second Niger Bridge was completed, easing transport between the South-East and other regions.
    • Construction of new roads and rehabilitation of major highways across the country.

4. Economic Diversification

  • Reduced Nigeria’s dependence on oil exports by investing in agriculture, manufacturing, and technology.
  • Launched the Anchor Borrowers' Program (ABP), which helped farmers boost local rice production.
  • Implemented Nigerian Economic Sustainability Plan (NESP) during the COVID-19 pandemic to support businesses and households.

5. Social Investment Programs (SIP)

  • Established Nigeria’s largest social welfare programs:
    • N-Power: Provided job training for unemployed graduates.
    • TraderMoni: Gave small loans to traders and artisans.
    • Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT): Direct financial support to poor families.
    • School Feeding Program: Fed millions of schoolchildren.

6. Fight Against COVID-19

  • Created Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 to manage the pandemic.
  • Secured millions of vaccine doses and implemented lockdowns to slow the virus spread.
  • Provided financial relief and economic stimulus to businesses and citizens affected by the pandemic.

Major Challenges Buhari Faced as President

1. Worsening Insecurity

Despite efforts, insecurity remained a major issue:

  • Boko Haram and ISWAP continued deadly attacks in the Northeast.
  • Banditry and kidnapping surged in the North-West and North-Central regions.
  • Herders-Farmers clashes led to thousands of deaths in the Middle Belt.
  • Unknown gunmen and separatist violence increased in the South-East.

2. Economic Recession and Inflation

  • Nigeria entered two recessions under Buhari:
    • 2016 recession due to oil price collapse.
    • 2020 recession caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • The Naira lost value, making imports more expensive.
  • Inflation soared, causing a rise in food and living costs.
  • Unemployment rate increased, especially among youth.

3. Fuel and Electricity Crisis

  • Despite promises, Nigeria’s power supply remained unreliable, with frequent blackouts.
  • Fuel subsidy removal debates led to public backlash as petrol prices increased.
  • Shortage of petroleum products caused long queues at filling stations.

4. #EndSARS Protests and Human Rights Issues

  • In October 2020, massive protests erupted against police brutality (#EndSARS movement).
  • Lekki Toll Gate Shooting – Security forces allegedly opened fire on peaceful protesters, sparking global condemnation.
  • Accused of stifling free speech by banning Twitter in 2021 after the platform deleted his post.

5. National Debt Increase

  • Nigeria’s debt profile grew significantly, with large loans from China, World Bank, and other lenders.
  • Public concern over Nigeria’s ability to repay these debts.

6. Controversial Currency Redesign Policy (2023)

  • Introduced new Naira notes to curb money laundering and vote-buying.
  • Policy implementation was rushed, leading to cash scarcity and economic hardship.
  • Many Nigerians struggled to access their own money from banks.


End of Tenure and Legacy (2023)

  • Buhari completed his second term and handed over power to Bola Ahmed Tinubu on May 29, 2023.
  • His presidency was marked by achievements in infrastructure and anti-corruption, but criticized for economic struggles, insecurity, and human rights issues.

Conclusion

Muhammadu Buhari’s legacy is complex. As a military leader, he was known for discipline and strict governance. As a democratic president, he made progress in infrastructure and anti-corruption, but faced economic hardship and security challenges.


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