Iliyasu Abdullahi Bah
Nigeria is still mourning the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who died in London at the age of 82. As tributes continue to pour in, The Journal Nigeria’s Iliyasu Abdullahi Bah sat with Hon. Muhammed Alƙali Achama, Chairman of Yobe Desert Football Club, for a candid conversation about the late leader’s legacy.
As a public figure, how would you describe Buhari?
Buhari was a rare kind of leader. He was straight, disciplined, and not the type to dance around issues. You know, with him what you saw was exactly what you got. He hated corruption with a passion and lived by example. Honestly, I’d say he was one of the few leaders who genuinely wanted to see Nigeria work.
How about his policies on development?
He had the masses in mind — no doubt about that. Look at the social investment programmes like N-Tech, N-Teach, and N-Agro. Those schemes, plus the COVID-19 loans where people could get up to a million naira for their small businesses, were solid ideas.
He also touched healthcare — many primary health centres were upgraded — and he really pushed for agriculture. Remember his “return to farming” campaign? He was serious about it. The problem wasn’t the ideas but how they were carried out. If the plans were properly followed through, Nigeria would be a different story today — maybe even attracting Nigerians abroad to come back and invest.
And his handling of insurgency in the Northeast?
Let’s be honest, things were bad before he came in. Boko Haram had displaced thousands, health workers had run away, and farmers couldn’t even go to their land. Buhari may not have solved it completely, but he calmed the storm. The situation isn’t perfect, but the Northeast is better than it was years ago, and that’s something to credit him for.
What do you think about the Kolmani oil project he started in Bauchi and Gombe?
That project is a big one. If Tinubu can carry it on, it could create jobs, boost revenue, and really change the economy of the region. It would also be a powerful way to honor Buhari’s legacy. Completing it would say more than any statue or renaming of an institution.
What lesson do you think Buhari’s death holds for Nigeria’s leaders?
It’s a reality check. Power isn’t forever. Life is short, and in the end, what people remember is how you served them. Buhari’s death should remind those in power to lead with humility and fear of God. When you’re gone, it’s your work and your character that speak.
Do you think today’s youth can live up to Buhari’s level of integrity?
It’s tough, but it starts from home. Buhari’s character came from his upbringing. Parents need to do more — our youth need discipline, focus, and real values. If we raise them right, Nigeria will be unstoppable.
And his impact on education?
He did his best. He supported education with funding through UBEC and TETFund, and he tried to fix the outdated 6-3-3-4 system. It’s not perfect, but he laid a foundation for improvement. We need to build on that.
Any final words?
I’d just ask Tinubu to continue Buhari’s unfinished projects, especially the Kolmani oil exploration. Renaming schools and roads is fine, but real progress is the best tribute.