A stalwart of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Otunba Segun Showunmi, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Nigeria’s former President, Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as a man of rare integrity, military precision, and austere discipline whose legacy will remain indelible in the annals of Nigeria’s history.
Buhari, who died in a London clinic at the age of 82, served as Nigeria’s Head of State from 1983 to 1985 and later as a democratically elected President from 2015 to 2023.
News of his death has triggered a nationwide wave of tributes, with Showunmi among the first political figures to eulogize him in a stirring tribute titled “Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR), Mai Gaskiya is Gone.”
Mai Gaskiya, meaning “man of truth” in Hausa, was Buhari’s enduring nickname—earned for his no-nonsense leadership style and reputation for personal honesty.
In his tribute, Showunmi recounted both personal and national memories of the late leader, referencing Buhari’s fight against the Maitatsine uprising, his military campaigns beyond Nigeria’s borders, and the influence of his moral crusades, particularly the War Against Indiscipline.
“As the son of a soldier, Buhari has been in my consciousness forever,” Showunmi wrote. “From chasing bandits in Chad to instilling values in young boys like us, he shaped a generation.”
Despite their political divergence—Showunmi remained in the opposition PDP while Buhari championed the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)—he said his respect for the former military General never waned.
“Even when I lost the political argument, I never lost my admiration for his character,” he said.
Reflecting on Buhari’s controversial handling of national unrests such as the #EndSARS protests and rising insecurity, Showunmi noted that though his tactics were criticized, Buhari always prioritized national stability.
“It might not have been tidy,” he said, “but losing the country to implosion was not to be allowed under him.”
He praised Buhari’s efforts to revamp the Nigerian military, his pro-poor social investment initiatives, and his consistent rejection of corrupt enrichment—describing him as a leader without offshore accounts, luxury mansions, or oil blocs.
“Oh Buhari, why are you so different from them all?” Showunmi asked in admiration, adding that Buhari ran a disciplined family and shielded them from political interference.
The PDP chieftain concluded his tribute with a prayer for Buhari’s soul and called on Nigerians to reflect on the values he stood for: discipline, simplicity, and justice.
Condolences have continued to pour in for Buhari’s widow, Aisha Buhari, his children, and the people of Daura. Tributes have also come from President Bola Tinubu, members of the National Assembly, the Emir of Daura, and international allies.
Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, is remembered as an officer and a gentleman—an era-defining leader whose passing marks the close of a consequential chapter in Nigeria’s history.
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