By:Abdullahi Inuwa
Today would have marked the 83rd birthday of Nigeria’s late former President, Muhammadu Buhari—a soldier-statesman whose life and leadership were defined by discipline, integrity and uncommon simplicity. Though he is no longer with us, the values he embodied continue to echo across the nation he served with stern resolve and personal restraint.
From the parade ground to the corridors of power, Buhari lived by a code that placed service above self. To him, leadership was not a privilege to be enjoyed but a trust to be honoured—a burden to be carried with seriousness, frugality and moral clarity. This belief shaped his public life, informed his decisions and set him apart in a political culture often accused of excess.
Born into modest circumstances, Buhari rose through the ranks of the Nigerian Army, earning a reputation for discipline and firmness. That reputation followed him into governance—first as military Head of State and later as a democratically elected President. Across both eras, admirers and critics alike agreed on one thing: Buhari was consistent. He was austere in personal lifestyle, restrained in conduct and unwavering in his belief that public resources must be protected.
As President, he projected an image of personal incorruptibility, insisting that those entrusted with public office must account for their stewardship. His anti-corruption posture, though contested in execution, reflected a deeply held conviction that Nigeria could not progress without integrity at the heart of governance. To millions, especially the young, he symbolised the possibility of honesty in public life.
Beyond policy debates and political contests, Buhari’s legacy is also written in the institutions he sought to strengthen and the values he championed—discipline, sacrifice, national duty and patriotism. He believed Nigeria was bigger than any individual and that leadership demanded personal sacrifice, not indulgence.
Even in retirement, Buhari maintained the quiet dignity that marked his public life. He avoided flamboyance, shunned unnecessary attention and remained true to the simplicity that endeared him to supporters who affectionately called him “Baba”. In an era of loud politics, his silence often spoke volumes.
Today, as Nigerians remember what would have been his 83rd birthday, tributes pour in not just for the offices he held, but for the example he set. In his absence, that example has become a moral compass—a reminder that leadership can still be guided by principle, restraint and a genuine sense of duty.
History will continue to debate his policies and decisions, as it does with all leaders. But few will dispute that Muhammadu Buhari lived a life anchored on personal discipline and belief in service. For many, that alone secures his place in Nigeria’s story.
As prayers rise in his memory, the nation asks Allah (SWT) to forgive his shortcomings, accept his good deeds and grant him Al-Jannatul Firdaus.
Happy posthumous 83rd birthday, Baba.
Your life, your lessons and your legacy endure.
Abdullahi Inuwa Social Commentator ainuwa303@gmail.com
