July 13, 2025 was a day that brought surprising news to the ears of Nigerian people when it was made public that former President of Nigeria Muhammadu Buhari has passed away.
Muhammadu Buhari, former President of Nigeria, was born on December 17, 1942, in Daura, Katsina State, Nigeria. He began his military career at age 19, enrolling in the Nigerian Army and rising to the rank of Major General. Buhari first came to national prominence as a military leader, serving as Nigeria’s Head of State from December 31, 1983, to August 27, 1985. He later returned as a democratically elected president, serving two terms from May 29, 2015, to May 29, 2023.
Buhari’s years of active public service spanned from his entry into the army in 1961, through various military and governmental roles, up to his retirement from the presidency in 2023 – a career of over six decades. He was known for his anti-corruption stance, both as a military ruler and as a civilian president, although his leadership was often marked by controversy and strong policies.
Buhari died on July 13, 2025, in London, England, at the age of 82, after a lengthy illness.
To some Nigerians, his death is a thing of joy. Many Nigerians who felt that his leadership style and policies when he was in power really brought tough hardships, insecurities and many untimely deaths to the ordinary citizens of Nigeria, have openly rejoiced and said his death should be a thing to celebrate which according to them is “seeing the end of the wicked”. Some of these Nigerians who are rejoicing over his death are also openly lamenting that they wish or want to hear that the current President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu should die soon since his own government is becoming more harder than that of late Buhari.
In the similar vein, some Nigerians are also shedding tears and are feeling sorrowful for the death of former President Buhari especially his family members, close friends and those who worked for him or under him and those who love him naturally without minding whether he did not perform well as a President.
The writer of this post is really sympathizing with the family of late Buhari and prays that God should give them the fortitude to bear the loss. May his soul rest in peace.