By Hussaini Ibrahim Sulaiman
The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education has mourned the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing his passing as a moment not only for condolence but for critical national reflection.
Buhari, who died on Sunday, July 13, 2025, in London, United Kingdom, led Nigeria through both military rule and two terms as a democratically elected president.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, CHRICED extended its condolences to the late President’s family and the Nigerian public, while urging current leaders to examine the complexities of his legacy beyond emotions and sentiments.
“President Buhari’s imprint on Nigeria is indelible, but it is not immune from honest scrutiny,” the group said. “His decades-long presence in national affairs must be assessed not through the lens of sentiment, but through the lens of truth.”
The organisation acknowledged Buhari’s trademark discipline and commitment to anti-corruption during both his military and civilian rule. It highlighted key reforms and social programmes under his administration, including the Treasury Single Account (TSA), the Whistleblower Policy, N-Power, TraderMoni, and the School Feeding Programme.
“He showed resolve in pushing for agricultural self-sufficiency and infrastructure renewal,” CHRICED noted.
However, CHRICED also pointed to what it described as “unfinished battles” that tainted Buhari’s record, including worsening insecurity, economic hardship, and selective anti-corruption efforts.
“Boko Haram insurgency, banditry, and rural violence spread unchecked. The economy, twice plunged into recession, left millions struggling with unemployment, inflation, and poverty,” the group stated.
It also criticised the administration’s handling of the EndSARS protests and the overall clampdown on civil liberties.
“The violent crackdown on peaceful protesters and the shrinking of civic space undermined the very principles Buhari once vowed to protect.”
CHRICED described Buhari’s death in a London hospital as a symbolic reminder of the continued collapse of Nigeria’s public healthcare system.
Calling on President Bola Tinubu and other public officeholders to learn from Buhari’s shortcomings, CHRICED stressed the need for a people-centred approach to governance.
“Leadership is not a performance for applause; it is a sacred duty to uplift, protect, and empower,” the statement read.
“Governance devoid of compassion breeds division. Policy without people breeds resentment. Time will erase titles—but it will never forget impact.”
The organisation urged Nigerians to use the moment to demand accountability, insist on justice, and build a future anchored in truth and dignity.