The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah, has called on Nigerians to reflect on the life and legacy of former President Muhammadu Buhari with compassion, rather than focus solely on the controversies of his eight-year civilian administration.
Reacting to Buhari’s death in a telephone interview, Bishop Kukah described him as a fundamentally decent man who served Nigeria with commitment in both military and civilian roles. He urged Nigerians to adopt a broader view of Buhari’s contributions to national development.
“President Buhari should be remembered as a good man,” Kukah said. “Let’s not limit our judgment to his eight years as a democratic president, but rather reflect on his lifelong dedication to Nigeria, particularly his service as a military officer and public figure.”
Bishop Kukah, who has been a vocal advocate for good governance, acknowledged that Buhari’s time in office was marked by debate and mixed reviews. However, he appealed for a more humane perspective in the wake of the former leader’s passing.
“May God grant him eternal rest, and may He console his family and all of us as a nation. We are mourning a national figure who played a significant role in Nigeria’s history,” he added.
Buhari, who died recently, served as Nigeria’s military ruler from 1983 to 1985 and later returned as a democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023. While his leadership record remains a subject of national discourse, Bishop Kukah's tribute stands as a reminder of the importance of empathy, even in the evaluation of public figures.
Leave a Reply