Nigeria Mourns Former Leader Amid Tributes to Legacy
Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, who led Africa's most populous nation from 2015 to 2023, died in London on Sunday at age 82. Current President Bola Tinubu confirmed the news, ordering flags flown at half-mast nationwide to honor his predecessor.
A Leader's Journey
Buhari, born December 17, 1942, rose from military leadership to become Nigeria's first opposition candidate to unseat an incumbent president. His two-term tenure prioritized combating Boko Haram insurgency, recovering stolen public funds, and diversifying the oil-dependent economy through agricultural reforms.
Mixed Economic Legacy
While Buhari's administration invested heavily in infrastructure and security, Nigeria faced two recessions during his rule. Persistent inflation and unemployment sparked debates about policy effectiveness, though supporters credit his anti-corruption campaigns with recovering billions in looted assets.
Global Reactions Emerge
Vice President Kashim Shettima will accompany Buhari's remains from London to Nigeria for state funeral arrangements. Regional leaders have begun paying tribute to the former president, whose death coincides with ongoing security challenges in West Africa.
