The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has described the life of former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari as one marked by early discipline, public engagement, and valuable lessons for future leadership in the country.
CISLAC condolences came as tributes poured in for the late president of Nigeria, who died at a London clinic on Sunday afternoon.
In a condolence statement on Sunday, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, Executive Director of CISLAC and Head of Transparency International Nigeria, expressed deep sympathy over the former president’s death and offered prayers for his eternal rest.
“May his soul rest in peace. Nigerians will particularly remember him for his early leadership as a military head of state, during which he launched the War Against Indiscipline (WAI),” Rafsanjani said.
He highlighted that the WAI initiative fostered a sense of civic responsibility, discipline, and patriotism among citizens. “During that time, people began to observe greater order, coming to work on time, queuing properly at public places, and displaying the national flag in offices. National symbols were respected, and a stronger sense of civic duty was instilled,” he recalled.
Rafsanjani also noted that Buhari’s military administration attracted criticism over human rights concerns. This remained a point of reflection even as he returned to power in a democratic capacity years later.
Buhari was elected as a civilian president in 2015 after multiple attempts, enjoying broad support both domestically and internationally. According to CISLAC, this raised high hopes that his presidency would address pressing issues such as insecurity, corruption, and unemployment.
“Expectations were high when he assumed office, and many believed he would drive major reforms,” Rafsanjani noted. “However, over time, especially during his second term, public confidence waned, with many Nigerians feeling that anticipated changes were not fully realised.”
While acknowledging Buhari’s sincere intentions and international credibility, Rafsanjani pointed to internal political challenges that may have constrained his administration’s effectiveness.
“He came into office with noble goals and enjoyed public trust in the beginning. However, governance is complex, and political dynamics—particularly the influence of certain figures within his administration—posed significant challenges,” he said. “This offers an important lesson. Leadership must go beyond vision and must include effective execution, transparency, and accountability.”
Rafsanjani further remarked on Buhari’s wide popularity and how his leadership helped shape national discourse around anti-corruption, security, and civic discipline. He noted that civil society organisations, including CISLAC, engaged actively with his administration on governance, institutional reform, and accountability.
He concluded by encouraging current and future Nigerian leaders to place national interest above all else and to strive for legacies that command respect both within and outside the country.
Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde described Buhari’s death as unexpected, noting, however, that the former president made his mark in serving the country. He prayed that God gives his family the fortitude to bear the loss, while also granting the former Military Head of State Aljanah Firdaus.
In the condolence statement by Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, described Buhari’s death as a great loss for the nation, “We have lost a great leader. This is indeed a monumental loss to Nigeria in particular and Africa as a whole”.
According to Governor Oyebanji, the late Buhari did not only serve the country meritoriously right from his youthful days as a military officer, he lived an exemplary life of selfless service to the nation and led the nation at two different periods- as a military head of state and two terms President and Commander-in-Chief, where he put in his very best.
He described the former President as a patriot, a man of integrity and a statesman, who earned his place in history as an anti-corruption champion, and through his sheer commitment to the oneness of the country as well as his dogged pursuit of her socio-economic development.
The late President Buhari, according to Governor Oyebanji, at different periods made some sacrifices towards the greatness of the country. This, he said, had etched his name in gold.
The Governor expressed condolences to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; the wife, children and family of the late Buhari; the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the people of Daura, Katsina State as well as Nigerians in general on the death of the late President, who was nicknamed “Mai Gaskiya” by his high level of integrity.
The Ekiti State Governor consoled the children of the late President that their father lived a good and impactful life, leaving behind a good name and legacies of integrity and service in his decades of nation-building efforts.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said Buhari was a transparent, courageous and honest leader who truly loved Nigeria and contributed his quota towards her development.
“He was a courageous, disciplined, respected and passionate leader. His commitment to the growth and development of Nigeria is worthy of emulation because he provided honest and transparent leadership in the country.
“Former President Buhari demonstrated unparalleled leadership skills, patriotism, and courage in steering the ship of Nigeria. He was a respected leader who served Nigeria passionately in different capacities and left with an unblemished record.
“He sacrificed the greater part of his life in the service of our dear country. He contributed immensely to the unity, growth and development of Nigeria and served passionately as Military Governor, Minister of Petroleum Resources, Head of State, and President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
The Governor commiserates with the immediate family of the late President Buhari and President Bola Tinubu over the death of his predecessor. He also sympathised with leaders and members of the ruling party, All Progressives Congress (APC), over the demise of one of the respected founders and leaders of the party.
Yemi Osinbajo, vice-president to Buhari during his political administration of eight years, said Nigeria lost a true patriot whose life was marked by unyielding devotion to the nation he loved.
“President Buhari’s legacy will endure as a testament to the nobility of public service, defined by honesty, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to the public good”, praying to the almighty God to comfort and strengthen the family left behind.
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