Politics
Muhammadu Buhari: A Repeated Pattern of Failure (1985 Vs 2023)
With President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure coming to an end in 2 months, let’s take a look at how his policies in his two stints as Nigeria’s Head-of-State has shown traits of a repeated pattern which has not been very favourable for Nigeria.

1983-1985
Muhammadu Buhari was the military head of state of Nigeria from December 1983 to August 1985. His government was characterized by a number of policies and actions that had far-reaching effects on the country’s political, economic, and social landscape.
In this article, we will examine Buhari’s government, its policies, and its impact on Nigeria. Buhari’s government came to power through a military coup that overthrew the democratically elected government of President Shehu Shagari.
The coup was widely welcomed by Nigerians, who had grown disillusioned with the corruption and economic mismanagement of the Shagari administration. Buhari promised to restore discipline and integrity to the government, and his initial actions were seen as steps in that direction.
One of Buhari’s first actions as head of state was the establishment of the War Against Indiscipline (WAI) program, which aimed to promote discipline and accountability in society. The program included measures such as the enforcement of traffic laws, the punishment of littering, and the promotion of punctuality.
While the program was initially popular, it soon became associated with heavy-handedness and abuse of power by the military. Soldiers and police officers were accused of using excessive force in enforcing WAI rules, and many Nigerians felt that the program was being used as a tool of repression.
Buhari’s government also launched a crackdown on corruption, which had become endemic in Nigeria. Dozens of politicians and officials were arrested and tried for corruption, and some were sentenced to long prison terms.
While the crackdown was popular with Nigerians, many observers noted that it was selective and politically motivated. Buhari’s government targeted members of the previous administration and their allies, while turning a blind eye to corruption within the military and security forces.
Another key policy of Buhari’s government was the implementation of an austerity program to address Nigeria’s economic crisis. The country was facing a severe balance of payments crisis, and its external debt had ballooned to over $12 billion.
Buhari’s government implemented a number of measures to reduce government spending and increase revenues, including the devaluation of the naira, the reduction of subsidies on fuel and food, and the cutting of civil service salaries.
While these measures were necessary to address Nigeria’s economic problems, they had a severe impact on the country’s poor and working-class population, who bore the brunt of the austerity measures.
While Muhammadu Buhari’s government had some successes during its two-year tenure, there were also significant failures and shortcomings that had lasting negative impacts on Nigeria.
One of the most significant failures of Buhari’s government was its handling of human rights abuses. The military cracked down harshly on perceived enemies of the regime, with reports of extrajudicial executions, torture, and arbitrary detention.
Many Nigerians were arrested and detained without trial, and the government suspended civil liberties such as freedom of the press, freedom of assembly, and freedom of association.
These actions were perceived as heavy-handed and authoritarian, and they generated widespread criticism from human rights groups both within Nigeria and internationally.
Another major failure of Buhari’s government was its inability to address Nigeria’s severe economic crisis.
While the government implemented austerity measures to address the country’s balance of payments crisis and external debt, these measures had significant negative impacts on Nigeria’s poor and working-class population.
The devaluation of the naira led to inflation, which eroded the purchasing power of ordinary Nigerians, and the reduction of subsidies on fuel and food led to rising prices and food shortages.
The cutting of civil service salaries also led to significant job losses and increased poverty. Buhari’s government also failed to address the underlying structural problems in Nigeria’s economy, such as the over-reliance on oil exports and the lack of diversification.
The government did little to promote the development of other sectors of the economy, and its policies did not create an enabling environment for private sector growth.
This lack of economic diversification would later prove to be a significant vulnerability for Nigeria, particularly during periods of global oil price volatility.
Another area where Buhari’s government failed was in its relations with Nigeria’s neighboring countries. The government’s foreign policy was perceived as aggressive and confrontational, particularly with regards to Nigeria’s relations with its Francophone neighbors.
Buhari’s government was accused of meddling in the affairs of neighboring countries, and its actions led to strained relations with these countries. This undermined Nigeria’s regional leadership and weakened its position in international forums.
Finally, Buhari’s government was criticized for its lack of inclusivity and participation. The government was dominated by military officers, and there was little participation by civilians in the decision-making process.
This lack of participation contributed to a sense of alienation among ordinary Nigerians, particularly those outside of the military and political elite.
2015 to 2023
Muhammadu Buhari was elected as President of Nigeria in 2015, with the promise of tackling corruption, improving security, and reviving the economy.
However, his government has been criticized for its failures in achieving these goals, as well as for a number of other shortcomings.
One of the most significant failures of Buhari’s government has been its handling of the economy. Despite promises to diversify the economy and reduce dependence on oil exports, the government has been unable to significantly improve the economy.
Nigeria has experienced a recession under Buhari’s leadership, with the country’s GDP contracting for the first time in 25 years in 2016.
The government’s economic policies have been criticized for being inconsistent and lacking in coherence, with some experts arguing that the government has been slow to respond to economic challenges.
Another major failure of Buhari’s government has been its handling of security challenges in the country. The government has been criticized for its inability to effectively address the threat posed by Boko Haram, an Islamist extremist group that has carried out numerous attacks in the country.
While the government has made some progress in reducing the group’s territorial control, Boko Haram continues to carry out attacks on civilians and security forces.
The government has also been criticized for its handling of other security challenges, such as the conflict between farmers and herders in the country.
Buhari’s government has also been criticized for its handling of corruption. While the government has made some high-profile arrests and recoveries of stolen assets, critics argue that these actions have been selective and politically motivated.
The government’s anti-corruption campaign has been accused of lacking transparency and due process, with some individuals being arrested and detained without trial.
There have also been concerns about the government’s ability to effectively prosecute corruption cases, with many cases being delayed or thrown out of court.
In addition to these failures, Buhari’s government has been criticized for its lack of inclusivity and participation. The government has been accused of being dominated by a small group of individuals, with little input from civil society or other stakeholders.
There have also been concerns about the government’s respect for human rights, with reports of extrajudicial killings, arbitrary detention, and restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly.
Finally, Buhari’s government has been criticized for its handling of Nigeria’s international relations. The government’s foreign policy has been described as insular and reactive, with little attention paid to building relationships with other countries or addressing global challenges.
Politics
African Union Takes Action: Republic of Niger Suspended Amidst Political Unrest
In a decisive move that reverberated across the continent, the African Union (AU) announced the suspension of the Republic of Niger from its membership ranks.
This momentous decision was unveiled during the African Union’s Peace and Security Council meeting held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on Tuesday, August 22.
African Union:Picture Source- Pinterest
The suspension stems from the recent political turmoil that engulfed the nation, with the African Union pointing to the coup orchestrated by Gen Abdourahamane Tchiani on Wednesday, July 26. As part of a series of sanctions imposed on the francophone West African country, the Republic of Niger faced the repercussions of its internal upheaval.
The African Union’s stance was uncompromising, as it made it clear that Western nations seeking to meddle in African affairs should refrain from interfering. This firm message was directed from the heart of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where the AU’s call for autonomy echoed loudly.
The events leading up to Niger’s suspension unfolded against a backdrop of political uncertainty and unrest. The coup in Niger, orchestrated by Gen Abdourahamane Tchiani, prompted the Afican Union to take action. Their decision to suspend Niger was not taken lightly and was ratified during the Peace and Security Council meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on August 22.
The aftermath of the military takeover in left President Mohamed Bazoum in captivity, held under the close watch of the juntas in Niger. Despite international pressure, the release of the president and his family remains elusive. This tense situation compelled the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to intervene, imposing sanctions on Niger and establishing a deadline for the initiation of military intervention by the sub-regional body’s standby forces.
The suspension of the Republic of Niger from the African Union serves as a stark reminder of the continent’s commitment to upholding stability and safeguarding democratic governance. The swift response underscores the African Union’s dedication to maintaining order and security within its member states, sending a resounding message to the global community about the importance of respecting Africa’s sovereignty.
Politics
Peter Obi: “I Campaigned For Presidency Because I Can Say It Any Day, I Will Solve The Problem Of Nigeria”
In a recent tweet that has caught the attention of many, @MissPearls shares an inspiring declaration made by former Anambra state governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi. According to @MissPearls, Peter Obi proclaimed, “I campaigned for Presidency because I can say it any day, I Will SOLVE THE PROBLEM OF NIGERIA. All these confusion everywhere can BE SOLVED, and I am PREPARED for it”

Peter Obi’s bid for the presidency in the recent elections stirred considerable excitement and garnered support from diverse quarters, particularly the youth demographic. The former governor is known for his progressive ideas and pragmatic approach to governance, which resonated with many Nigerians who sought change and effective solutions to the country’s myriad challenges.
Despite his extensive support and well-articulated vision, Peter Obi’s presidential ambitions faced formidable opponents in the election. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) released results that placed him behind the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who emerged as the winner, and Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who came second. However, these results were met with skepticism due to apparent electoral irregularities that marred the integrity of the process.
In response to the controversial election outcome, both Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar filed legal challenges against the INEC’s declaration. This move underscores their commitment to upholding the democratic process and ensuring that the voice of the electorate is accurately reflected. As the election Tribunal Judges prepare to deliver their verdict, Nigeria watches with bated breath, eager to witness justice being served.
Meanwhile, the administration of Mr. Bola Ahmed Tinubu has taken significant policy actions since assuming office. The removal of fuel subsidies and the decision to float the Naira have triggered mixed reactions across the nation. While these measures may be intended to foster economic stability and growth, the immediate consequences have been felt by everyday Nigerians. The cost of living has surged, and the socio-economic effects on the rich and the poor have become more pronounced.
As the Nigerian population navigates these shifts, the aftermath of the election and the ensuing governance strategies offer a critical juncture for evaluating the nation’s trajectory. The voices of discontent, expressed by citizens facing the brunt of these policies, highlight the necessity for leaders to prioritize the well-being of the populace while pursuing economic advancements. It is essential for the government to strike a balance between fiscal prudence and safeguarding the interests of the vulnerable segments of society.
The policy changes implemented by Bola Tinubu have shed light on the delicate balance between progress and the welfare of the people. As the nation waits for the tribunal’s judgment and the dust settles on the recent election, Nigeria stands at a crossroads, with the potential to reshape its future trajectory and address the systemic challenges that have held it back for far too long.
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Politics
Youths in Kano Defy Police Ban to Protest Alleged Tribunal Bribery
Hundreds of determined youths in Kano took to the streets, defying a police ban, to protest what they perceive as attempts to manipulate the state election petition tribunal. This incident unfolded against the backdrop of a ban on protests by the Commissioner of Police, Usuani Gumel, following revelations of alleged plots to obstruct justice through financial inducement in legal proceedings.

The rally, which unfolded outside the state government house, saw impassioned youths brandishing placards with messages that underscored their commitment to justice and the integrity of the electoral process. Their actions were sparked by concerns over an alleged plan to bribe the state election petition tribunal, casting a shadow over the fairness of the process.
The ban on protests was issued in response to recent revelations made by Justice Flora Azinge, who unveiled purported schemes by lawyers to disrupt the course of justice through financial incentives. The Commissioner of Police cited “confirmatory intelligence products” as the basis for this decision, leaving a contentious atmosphere surrounding the freedom of assembly and the right to peaceful protest.
This ban, however, failed to deter the resolute youths who carried a variety of placards conveying their strong stance against corruption, manipulation, and injustice. The slogans they chanted resonated with their determination to safeguard the sanctity of the electoral process and uphold transparency in governance.
Among the messages displayed, one placard caught the eye with its direct callout: “Gandollar, stop spoiling the name of Tinubu.” This highlights the allegation that financial impropriety is tainting the reputation of key political figures.
In a video circulated online, the enthusiastic protesters chanted slogans that echoed their deep-seated concerns. Chants of “No to corruption,” “No to injustice,” and “No to manipulation” reverberated through the crowd, embodying the youth’s unwavering commitment to fair and accountable governance.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf praised the peaceful conduct of the protesters and assured them that their concerns would be relayed to President Bola Tinubu. This gesture recognizes the role of the youth in shaping political discourse and underscores the importance of their voices in the pursuit of a just society.
In conclusion, the youths in Kano have seized the moment to voice their concerns and demands for an unbiased electoral process. Their defiance of the police ban serves as a reminder that public sentiment cannot be easily suppressed. As this incident unfolds, it raises important questions about the delicate balance between freedom of assembly, legitimate protest, and maintaining public order. It also underscores the critical role of the youth in shaping the political landscape and demanding accountability from their leaders.
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