AFRICA ( Commonwealth Union) _ President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria defended his political record on the eve of his departure, asserting that he leaves the country in a better state than when he assumed power in 2015.
In a televised address, the 80-year-old leader stated, “I am confident that I am leaving office with Nigeria better in 2023 than in 2015.” He highlighted the progress made in strengthening democracy and achieving a safer environment for all Nigerians. However, the incoming president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, faces significant challenges, including a long-standing jihadist insurgency in the northeast that has resulted in numerous casualties and displacements.
During Buhari’s tenure, the military made efforts to recapture territories from the Boko Haram jihadist group. However, the emergence of rival groups affiliated with the Islamic State, such as ISWAP, has posed a continued threat. Buhari, a former army general, was elected in 2015 and reelected in 2019 on promises to combat corruption and insecurity.
Despite Buhari’s assertions, many observers and analysts view his legacy as disappointing, if not catastrophic. Nigeria’s economy has faced a severe crisis marked by high inflation, escalating debt, poverty, and unemployment. The country has also grappled with a security crisis, with both criminal and jihadist groups responsible for widespread violence, killings, and kidnappings. Human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch, have raised concerns about a regression in human rights, citing abuses by security forces, repression of protests, and the suspension of Twitter for six months.
Buhari’s televised speech garnered significant attention on Nigerian social media, with many criticizing it as disconnected from the reality experienced by ordinary citizens. They pointed to rising incidents of kidnappings for ransom and soaring prices of essential commodities like rice. Nigerian media outlets also scrutinized Buhari’s perceived failures as head of government. As Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumes office, the nation awaits to see how he will address these pressing issues and work towards a better future for Nigeria.
