Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has mourned the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing his life as a valuable lesson for future leaders in the country.
The Executive Director of CISLAC, Auwal Rafsanjani, who made the remark in a statement issued in Abuja on Monday, said that the late former president’s legacy was one marked by discipline in public engagement.
Rafsanjani, who is also the Head of Transparency International Nigeria, said that Buhari would particularly be remembered for his early leadership as a military head of state during which he launched War Against Indiscipline (WAI).
He said that the WAI initiative fostered a sense of civic responsibility, discipline and patriotism among citizens.
“During that time, people began to observe greater order, coming to work on time, queuing properly at public places and displaying the national flag in offices. National symbols were respected and a stronger sense of civic duty was instilled,” he recalled.
Rafsanjani also noted that Buhari’s military administration attracted criticisms over human rights concerns, saying that this remained a point of reflection, even as he (Buhari) returned to power in a democratic capacity years later.
“Buhari was elected as a civilian president in 2015 after multiple attempts, enjoying broad support both domestically and internationally.
“This raised high hopes that his presidency would address pressing issues such as insecurity, corruption and unemployment,” he said.
While acknowledging the former president’s sincere intentions and international credibility, Rafsanjani pointed to internal political challenges which, he said, might have constrained his administration’s effectiveness.
“He came into office with noble goals and enjoyed public trust in the beginning. However, governance is complex, and political dynamics—particularly the influence of certain figures within his administration—posed significant challenges.
“This offers an important lesson: Leadership must go beyond vision and must include effective execution, transparency and accountability,”
Rafsanjani also acknowledged Buhari’s wide popularity and how his leadership helped shape national discourse around anti-corruption, security and civic discipline.
He said that civil society organisations, including CISLAC, engaged actively with his administration on governance, institutional reform and accountability.
The executive director urged current and future Nigerian leaders to place national interest above everything else and strive for legacies that would command respect both within and outside the country.
While expressing deep sympathy over the death of the former president, he prayed Allah to grant him eternal rest.