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Nigerian former Defense Minister Major General Bashir Magashi (retired) has lauded the late ex-President Muhammadu Buhari as a selfless patriot who prioritized national service over personal interests, following Buhari’s death on July 13, 2025. The two-term leader, who governed Nigeria both as military head of state in the mid-1980s and as democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023, passed away in a London hospital after a prolonged illness, sparking nationwide mourning.

Magashi, who worked closely with Buhari as defense minister between 2019 and 2023, described his former boss as a leader whose “indelible footprints” shaped Nigeria’s governance and anti-corruption efforts. In an emotional tribute, he emphasized Buhari’s dual legacy as a disciplined military strategist and a civilian president committed to accountability. “His unblemished service and sacrifice will be etched in the hearts of Nigerians who value integrity over materialism,” Magashi stated, framing Buhari’s life as a testament to principled leadership in a diverse, often divided nation.

Buhari’s career spanned decades of Nigeria’s political evolution, from his 1984–1985 military rule to his return as a civilian leader three decades later. Magashi credited him with fostering unity through what he termed a “One Nation, One Destiny” philosophy, despite the country’s ethnic and religious complexities. The late president’s anti-graft campaigns, though contentious at times, were highlighted as central to his vision of governance. “He was a dogged fighter against corruption, dedicating his life to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and global respectability,” Magashi said, noting Buhari’s reputation for “iconic integrity” abroad.

Reflecting on their professional relationship, Magashi characterized Buhari as a mentor whose “strict yet compassionate” leadership style blended military rigor with humanitarian concern. He praised the ex-president’s simplicity and humility—qualities he argued contrasted sharply with endemic public sector excesses. “He lived with an unwavering focus on nation-building, valuing God’s favor over wealth or power,” Magashi added, suggesting Buhari’s moral compass resonated with citizens weary of political graft.

While acknowledging Nigeria’s loss as “immeasurable,” Magashi urged citizens to draw strength from Buhari’s enduring contributions, including his role in stabilizing regional security and advocating for institutional reform. Analysts note that tributes from figures like Magashi may reignite debates about Buhari’s mixed legacy, particularly regarding economic challenges and security crises during his tenure. Yet for now, the focus remains on a leader whose life, as Magashi framed it, exemplified “service beyond self—a rarity in our modern world.”

As tributes pour in from global leaders, Buhari’s burial arrangements are pending, with expectations of a state funeral reflecting his dual military and civilian status. His death marks the end of an era for Nigeria, leaving a polarized populace to reflect on a leader whose ideals, allies argue, transcended the imperfections of his rule.