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Following the death of Nigeria’s former President, Muhammadu Buhari, at the age of 82, reactions across the country have been mixed. While some political elites and party loyalists have offered tributes, a significant number of ordinary Nigerians have expressed public indifference—and in many cases, open celebration.
TJ News Nigeria reports that this unusual public reaction is rooted in deep-seated frustration over economic hardship, insecurity, and political decisions associated with Buhari’s administration from 2015 to 2023.
Below are 10 reasons why many Nigerians are not mourning, but instead showing relief or even celebration over Buhari’s passing:
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1. Widespread Economic Hardship Under His Administration
During Buhari’s presidency, millions of Nigerians fell below the poverty line. According to World Bank data (2022), over 40% of Nigerians lived in extreme poverty by the end of his second term.
- The Naira depreciated drastically.
- Inflation surged, affecting food and fuel prices.
- Many Nigerians blame Buhari’s economic policies for worsening their living standards.
2. Multiple Recessions
TJ News Nigeria learnt that Buhari’s administration led Nigeria into two major economic recessions—in 2016 and again in 2020. Many citizens view this as a sign of mismanagement and poor fiscal policy.
Pay Attention To: FULL LIST: Late President Muhammadu Buhari’s Bad Economic Policies
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3. Persistent Insecurity and Banditry
Despite campaign promises to end Boko Haram insurgency, Buhari’s tenure witnessed:
- An escalation in banditry, kidnappings, and herdsmen-farmer clashes.
- Rising terrorism in the North-West and North-Central zones.
- Increased fear among citizens, with minimal response from the government.
4. Fuel Subsidy Confusion and Scarcity
Although Buhari initially vowed to remove fuel subsidies, he reintroduced and subsidized fuel quietly, spending billions without clear transparency.
- Frequent fuel scarcity plagued his tenure.
- Long queues and black-market pricing became a norm.
5. Poor Infrastructure Delivery
Despite borrowing over ₦77 trillion during his presidency (Debt Management Office), visible infrastructure outcomes remain limited, especially outside Abuja and Lagos.
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- Promised railways, roads, and refineries remained uncompleted.
- Many citizens believe the borrowing did not reflect on real development.
6. Youth Unemployment and Brain Drain
According to the National Bureau of Statistics, youth unemployment hit over 33% by 2021.
- Buhari’s administration failed to create sustainable jobs.
- Thousands of skilled Nigerians migrated through Japa syndrome, seeking better opportunities abroad.
7. Suppression of Dissent and Civil Liberties
Many Nigerians recall:
- The #EndSARS protest in 2020 and the Lekki Toll Gate shooting, where peaceful protesters were attacked.
- Crackdowns on journalists and opposition voices.
- Tight social media regulations and proposed bans.
These actions created a perception of authoritarianism and disregard for civil rights.
8. Selective Anti-Corruption War
Although Buhari campaigned on anti-corruption, critics argue that the fight was selective, targeting only opposition figures.
TJ News Nigeria can authoritatively report that members of his own party faced serious corruption allegations without convictions or major consequences.
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9. Perceived Ethnic and Religious Bias
Many Nigerians accused Buhari of:
- Favouring Northern and Muslim-majority appointments.
- Marginalizing other regions, especially the South-East.
- Violating the federal character principle in key government positions.
This deepened ethnic divisions and resentment.
10. Failure to Restructure or Deliver Real Change
Despite calls for restructuring, devolution of power, or constitutional reform, Buhari’s government made no meaningful progress.
- Several national conferences and reports were ignored.
- Citizens felt betrayed after initial hope in his “change” campaign.
Public Outcry on Social Media
Following the announcement of Buhari’s death, platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and TikTok were flooded with:
- Sarcastic memes
- Celebratory hashtags
- Angry testimonials about past government failures
Rinu Oduala, a prominent activist from the #EndSARS movement, wrote on her verified Twitter account:
“Buhari lost elections in 2011 in Nigeria and close to 1,000 people were slaughtered in three days by his supporters. Corpers were murdered, homes and businesses were burnt down, lives were ruined. For the victims of Lekki Toll gate massacre. For the Shia Muslims massacred in Zaria. For the mass poverty and inflation. For the corruption that flourished. For the school children abducted. For the clampdown on dissent. For the Middle Belt genocides. For the enabled terrorism. For all the lives lost, and dreams buried in your eight years of terror, may you never rest well.”
Her post garnered thousands of shares and reactions, reflecting the raw pain and unhealed wounds left behind by Buhari’s rule.
Criticism from Establishment Figures
Even within elite media circles, the criticism was sharp. Sam Omatseye, a senior journalist with TVC and The Nation newspaper—both affiliated with President Bola Tinubu—wrote in his column:
“He became a president and ran it with a cabal of antediluvian ideas… He left the finances in chaos and the nation’s morale was at the nadir… Buhari, in the end, turned out to be a man who looked after one man: Muhammadu Buhari.”
His statement shocked many, as it came from a media insider linked to Buhari’s political allies, further validating widespread discontent.
What you should know
TJ News Nigeria understands that death is a solemn event, and respect for the deceased remains a cultural value in Nigeria. However, the reactions to Buhari’s passing serve as a referendum on his time in office. Rather than unified mourning, the public response is an expression of accumulated anger, disappointment, and disillusionment.
This report does not aim to vilify but to document public sentiment as it stands—loud, raw, and unfiltered.
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