• Muhammadu Buhari died at age 82, remembered as a divisive leader.
• He was both a military dictator and democratically elected president.
• SARS protests in 2020 highlighted his government’s disregard for citizens’ rights.
• The military’s response to protests was marked by violence and defined by conflict.
• Buhari’s economic policies have been criticized for deepening Nigeria’s debt crisis.

Buhari’s Dual Rule: Dictator and Democrat

In the aftermath of Muhammadu Buhari’s recent passing at the age of 82, many Nigerians reflect on a complex legacy that embodies both dictatorship and democracy. Buhari, who served twice as Nigeria’s leader—once as a military strongman and later as an elected president—leaves behind a country still grappling with the consequences of his tenure. According to Olive Chiemerie, a Lagos-based writer, he “inherited unprecedented goodwill and squandered it,” illustrating a sentiment shared by many wary of Buhari’s decision-making during critical moments in Nigerian history.

2020 Protests and Government Response

One of the most defining moments came in October 2020 when a youth-led protest movement erupted across Nigeria, sparked by the actions of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), a police unit notorious for its brutal tactics. Initially, Buhari’s government disbanded SARS, hinting at a willingness to listen to the public outcry. However, as the protests escalated, the response turned violent; on October 20, military forces opened fire on peaceful demonstrators in Lagos, resulting in multiple fatalities, though Buhari controversially referred to those protesting as “rioters” in his addresses, dismissing their demands for better governance and human rights as a threat to national security.

Economic Struggles and Security Challenges

Buhari’s presidency wasn’t just marked by protests; it also saw economic policies that many believe deepened Nigeria’s existing troubles. The closure of borders to goods in 2019, intended to boost local agriculture, instead led to rampant inflation. Strict foreign currency controls coupled with decreasing oil production only added strain to the economy, as many pointed out the dire state of the naira against the dollar. Akeem Alao, a teacher from Lagos, emphasized that Buhari’s tenure left behind a “legacy of debt” that would hinder his successors. Furthermore, Buhari failed to address the significant security challenges facing Nigeria, making it harder for the country to stabilize amidst the continuing threats from groups like Boko Haram.

In summary, Muhammadu Buhari’s time as a leader is marked by a blend of missed opportunities and deep-seated grievances. His actions, both as a military ruler and a democratically elected president, have left lingering challenges for Nigeria. As the nation reflects on his complicated legacy, it faces ongoing issues such as economic instability and insecurity, which Buhari’s administration never fully resolved.