President Muhammadu Buhari’s eight-year tenure as the leader of Nigeria has come to an end today, leaving behind a legacy that falls short of the expectations of many Nigerians.
Despite some commendable achievements in certain areas, the overall performance of his administration has left a significant portion of the population disillusioned and dissatisfied.
Infrastructure development had been a highlight of Buhari’s tenure, as demonstrated by projects like the Second Niger Bridge, the 156 kilometres Lagos-Ibadan rail line, purchase of 64 coaches and 21 locomotives, 186 kilometre Abuja-Kaduna rail and the completion of the 327km Itakpe-Warri standard gauge rail and road networks across the country.
Former Chairman of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) in Lagos State Hon. Shakirudeen Olofin, acknowledged the government’s efforts in providing an enabling environment for business growth.
“We must give 100 pe cent pass mark on infrastructure to the extent that the whole governors of the South East unanimously agreed to name the Second Niger Bridge after President Muhammad Buhari,” Olofin said.
Despite these achievements, it is undeniable that the administration has fallen short in several critical areas. President Buhari’s health challenges and the perception of an absentee leader during his first year in office raised concerns about his preparedness for the role.
The delay in appointing a cabinet and the subsequent multiple fuel price hikes that marked his administration and naira scarcity in the early party of the year further dampened citizens’ confidence in the government.
Nigeria’s inflation rate has skyrocketed, pushing more people into poverty and damaging the purchasing power of the naira. The country’s corruption ratings have also worsened, reflecting a lack of adequate measures to address this pervasive issue.
Security remains a significant issue, as banditry, kidnapping, and herders-farmers clashes continue to plague the country, leading to the loss of thousands of lives and a significant rise in the number of internally displaced persons.
Human Rights Activist and Executive Director of the Citizens Rights and Empowerment Advocacy Initiative (CREMA Initiative) Rexkennedy Saltlove, reflected on President Buhari’s tenure as one of the most traumatic periods for Nigeria.
Saltlove criticised the President’s perceived absence from office, his slow response to key issues, and the disappointing continuation of corruption despite promises of change.
“Nepotism and ethno-religious bigotry (were) exalted above excellence. Inflation is over 100 per cent as against the 23.3 per cent during Goodluck Jonathan’s exit. Nigeria became the poverty capital of the world.
“Our corruption ratings by Transparency International worsened. He threw the Nigerian nation into indebtedness amounting to several trillions of naira,” Saltlove said.
With a staggering debt of N77 trillion, the country faces a substantial financial burden that will impact future administrations and the administration’s inability to complete crucial projects, such as the Lagos-Ibadan expressway and the Zungeru hydroelectric power plant, raises concerns about its commitment to infrastructure development.
Other unfinished projects include the national carrier, Nigeria Air, the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, Zungeru hydroelectric power plant, and the revanmping of the Port Harcourt refinery.
Leader of the Pan-Yoruba sociopolitical group Afenifere Ayo Adebanjo, also sharply criticised President Buhari, accusing him of prioritizing the interests of the Fulani people and their expansion over the betterment of Nigeria.
Adebanjo argues that the President’s achievements are overshadowed by his divisive policies, as evidenced by his support for herders and his alleged Fulanisation agenda.
“He made sure he pursued the Fulanisation agenda in the country, ensuring displacement of people from their homes by the Fulani who are from all parts of Africa because he believes they have no home and must, therefore, come to take over Nigeria. All other things he does is just camouflage. That is his best achievement,” the Afenifere leader said.
President Buhari, in his New Year message, acknowledged the diverse opinions and interpretations of his administration’s legacies and the need for improvements in security, the economy, and the fight against corruption.
“I welcome and accept both the accolades and criticisms in equal measure, secure in the conviction that I did my best to serve our dear country Nigeria and I pray that the next President will also pick up the baton and continue the race to make Nigeria one of the leading countries of the world by the end of this century,” he said.
As President Bola Ahmed Tinubu begins his administration today with Kashim Shettima as his vice, it is imperative that they address the shortcomings of the previous administration and work diligently to fulfill the aspirations and demands of the Nigerian people.
The new leaders must prioritize security, infrastructure development, economic growth, and the fight against corruption to set Nigeria on a path of progress and prosperity. Only through genuine and effective governance can the hopes and dreams of Nigerians be realised.
