THE MAN CALLED BUHARI
He came with nothing. He left with nothing.
In an era defined by opulence and excess, Muhammadu Buhari was a striking outlier.
Not just a leader —
He was a soldier, a statesman, a patriot, and above all, a man of austere principles.
A Lifetime of National Service
From the barracks to the State House, Buhari’s career spanned over five decades:
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Platoon Commander
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Commanding Officer (C.O.)
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Brigade Commander
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General Officer Commanding (GOC)
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Alumnus, U.S. Army War College
He governed with discipline:
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Military Governor, North-Eastern State
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Federal Commissioner for Petroleum Resources
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Federal Minister
At the height of military rule:
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Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces (1983–1985)
In democracy:
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Founder of political movements that shaped opposition politics
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Twice democratically elected President of Nigeria (2015–2023)
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Chairman, Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF)
A global figure, respected for his uprightness and his unflinching stance on corruption.
Yet, Despite Power and Privilege…
Muhammadu Buhari never amassed personal fortune.
He rejected the usual trappings of power and chose simplicity over extravagance.
He had:
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❌ No oil block
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❌ No oil well
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❌ No private jet
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❌ No personal business empire
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❌ No foreign bank accounts
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❌ No luxury car collection
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❌ No private university
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❌ No palatial estate in Abuja or abroad
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❌ No sprawling personal library or foundation
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❌ No political cult or militia
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❌ No history of religious bigotry or ethnic chauvinism
What he did have was a commitment to national unity, fiscal discipline, and service above self.
The Untouched President
Among Nigeria’s political elite, Buhari stood alone — not for charisma or eloquence, but for restraint and personal integrity.
He wielded enormous power — and left it without scandal.
He governed a complex nation — and walked away quietly.
He came with nothing, and chose to leave with nothing, but his name, etched in the annals of Nigerian history.
A Final Prayer
May Almighty Allah (SWT) forgive his shortcomings, accept his sacrifices, and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus.
Rest in peace, President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR).
A soldier. A statesman. A symbol of restraint in a time of excess.
