The footprints of the late Former President Muhammadu Buhari remains an indelible chapter in Nigeria’s history, despite criticism from a small but vocal minority.
Nigeria’s Minister of Health, Prof. Ali Pate establised this during an expanded Federal Executive Council meeting held in honour of late Buhari, at the Council Chambers of the State House, Abuja.
Pate affirmed that the late ex-President’s administration’s impact continues to resonate, underscoring a tenure rich in significance that cannot be erased or forgotten.
He emphasized that the rain of eulogies from leaders across the world attests to former President Buhari’s stature as a notable and well-respected leader.
The Minister added that Buhari lived an eventful life etched in sacred principles and died an honourable man.
According to Pate, “It was deeply stirring to see hundreds of people withstand hours of heat on the roadsides from Katsina to Daura to say their goodbyes to Mai Gaskiya.
“But there seems to be a very small but vocal minority who, despite the solemnity of the occasion, has tried to diminish the place of President Buhari in the pantheon of Nigeria’s remarkable leaders. To those on this foolhardy pursuit, I say, as the pages of Nigeria’s history are written in the future, President Buhari’s name will remain indelible.”
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The Minister reeled out the vital lessons culled from the life of Nigeria’s former Head of State and a two term democratically elected President, Muhammadu Buhari, sayimg that Buhari showcased the foundation of enduring leadership as authenticity.
“There was clear consistency with President Buhari in all seasons. He was unpretentious, frugal, reserved, humble, and honest. He did not pretend to be what he was not. Some people liked him, and some did not. He was consistently loyal to Nigerians – both high and low.”
He added that the late Buhari was known as a disciplined man, exemplifying integrity in all its ramifications. According to Pate, this rare quality fortified the late former Leader against multiple personal and political shocks.
“Character moulded by self-discipline provided the scaffolding for Buhari’s courage and conviction. He was known as a disciplined man, exemplifying integrity in all its ramifications. This rare quality fortified him against multiple personal and political shocks. Many Nigerians know that, as President, Muhammadu Buhari always acted in what he considered to be the best interest of the country. This character trait was demonstrated across his public service stints — from the military to political office, and even after office.”
Pate recalled that while some may accuse the late General as being slow in making decisions, he highlighted that President Buhari was evidently a stickler for due process.
“Buhari understood leadership as stewardship. This was reflected in his consistent respect for institutions and established processes. The structure of his administration remained relatively stable for eight years. While some may accuse him of being slow in making decisions, President Buhari was evidently a stickler for due process. When his time in office was up, he retired happily to Daura to live among his people and tend his farm. In many ways, similar to the Roman General, Cincinnatus (BC), who served the public when warranted and immediately returned home afterwards to his farm.
“It is evident that Muhammadu Buhari did not take life too seriously. He was fully conscious of the ephemerality of life. He had no appetite for material things. He did not have dozens of houses, business interests, exotic clothing, and items. He lived a decent life. He laughed well at himself and shared joy and laughter with many.
“There are many more lessons to be taken from the late former President’s life,” Pate said.
He enjoined Nigerians to to further reflect and imbibe the lessons from the life of the departed leader, Muhammadu Buhari.
He established that perfection is with God hence it is best to leave final judgement to Him.
“At this time of national mourning, in consonance with His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu’s directive on praying and reflecting on Buhari’s life, we will all be served well if we reflect on and imbibe the lessons from the life of the beloved departed leader. Of course, Muhammadu Buhari has his many failings, as any man does. Perfection is with God and it is best to leave final judgement to Him,” Pate added.
Ali Pate prayed that “Allah forgive and grant President Muhammadu Buhari Aljannah Firdaus.”