“We Must Walk Forward With Hope and Honesty,” Says Barrister Oluwatosin as Nigeria Mourns Muhammadu Buhari

The nation of Nigeria is in mourning following the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on July 14, 2025, at the age of 82. A leader whose public life spanned both military command and democratic leadership, Buhari’s passing marks the end of a political era defined by discipline, resilience, and national introspection.

From his emergence as military Head of State in the 1980s to his historic return to power as a democratically elected President in 2015, Buhari’s imprint on Nigeria’s political and civic landscape remains deep and indelible. His initial rule was characterized by an unrelenting war against corruption and a commitment to order, attributes that earned him both acclaim and criticism. When he resurfaced decades later to clinch the presidency through the ballot box, his message of reform, accountability, and national revival struck a chord with a country yearning for change.

Buhari’s two-term civilian presidency was, however, a tale of mixed fortunes. While his anti-corruption drive reinvigorated calls for transparency, and his administration introduced reforms in public finance and civil service discipline, the nation also grappled with severe economic strains, insurgency, and a growing perception of underperformance in key sectors. Yet, in all the storms, Buhari was often praised for his stoic composure and refusal to engage in political mudslinging.

Speaking in tribute, legal practitioner and public affairs commentator, Barrister Samuel Oluwatosin Orekoya, reflected on the former president’s complex legacy. “Nigeria has lost a towering figure, one whose virtues and vices were both on grand display. As we mourn, we must also learn. We must walk forward with hope and honesty, building on the values he upheld integrity, resilience, and unwavering service while doing better where he fell short,” he said.

Barrister Oluwatosin also recalled a personal encounter with Buhari in 2013 during a visit to the British Parliament. He described the then-presidential hopeful as “soft-spoken, gentle, and generous with counsel,” a man whose private humility often contrasted with his stern public image.

President Buhari’s leadership was a study in personal austerity and national ambition. His critics often pointed to policy missteps and a sluggish approach to governance reforms, while his defenders praised his incorruptibility and steadfast belief in national unity.

Now, as Nigeria lays him to rest, the moment is both reflective and instructive. It is an opportunity not just to honour the man, but to critically assess the road ahead. Buhari’s life its triumphs and trials serves as a mirror to the nation’s own evolving journey.