Following the passing of former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, his longtime spokesperson, Mr. Femi Adesina, who served alongside him for eight years, has shared heartfelt reflections on Buhari’s life and legacy.
Speaking during an interview, Mr. Adesina described Buhari not only as a former boss but a close personal friend. He recalled moments that revealed Buhari’s deep respect for others, including attending a Christian memorial service for Adesina’s late mother in 2013, a gesture that contradicted claims of religious intolerance.
Mr. Adesina recounted how Buhari personally selected him as a special adviser, circling his name without hesitation. He also described Buhari’s disciplined nature, punctuality, and unwavering integrity, emphasising that corruption allegations never touched the former president himself.
“To me, he was a man of discipline, integrity, and a genuine patriot,” Adesina said. “He was not a religious bigot, as some claimed. He respected all faiths and cared deeply for Nigeria.”
When asked about the key takeaway from Buhari’s life, Mr. Adesina summarised: “Be a man of integrity. Stand by your words and responsibilities to the country. That is the greatest lesson from President Buhari’s life.”
Also, former Attorney General of the Federation, Mr. Abubakar Malami, who worked closely with Buhari from the early political days through his presidency, described Buhari as a father figure, mentor, and statesman whose leadership was marked by sacrifice, service, and unyielding honesty.
Mr. Malami highlighted Buhari’s dedication to national unity and economic stability, crediting him with key infrastructure projects such as the Second Niger Bridge and major expressways, as well as his pivotal role in safeguarding Nigeria from a potential $11 billion economic loss related to the P&ID case.
On Buhari’s frugality, Mr. Malami shared a personal anecdote of dining with the president, noting the simplicity of his meals despite his position. “He was truly a frugal man, modest in every way,” he said.
Addressing controversies around aides accused of corruption, Malami conveyed Buhari’s stance: “If you are given trust and you abuse it, you must answer for it. The president wanted accountability but never compromised his own integrity.”
Reflecting on Buhari’s political legacy, Malami acknowledged the challenge of predicting his political successor but stressed the lasting impact of his 12 million votes, which represent a constituency grounded in Buhari’s values of transparency and national development.
“Buhari’s death leaves a significant void — not only for Nigeria and Katsina State but internationally. He embodied integrity, transparency, patriotism, and uncompromising honesty.” The former Attorney General of the Federation concluded.
Olusola Akintonde