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A Nigerian political figure has urged the country’s leaders to reflect on the inevitability of death as a catalyst for transformative governance, emphasizing humility and service over wealth, power, and prestige. Moses Paul, chairmanship candidate for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Abuja’s municipal council, made the remarks amid national mourning for former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away at 82 after decades of military and democratic rule.

Speaking at a public event, Paul framed mortality as a universal equalizer, stating, “Every leader’s death underscores a truth we neglect: No security detail, status, or influence can postpone our final moment.” He cited global icons such as Queen Elizabeth II and Steve Jobs, noting their legacies were defined not by opulence but by dignity and lasting contributions. Closer to home, he honored Nigerian luminaries like author Chinua Achebe and activist Gani Fawehinmi, who he said “died empty, having poured their gifts into society.”

Paul sharply criticized what he called Nigeria’s “arrogance of power,” referencing politicians’ lavish convoys, corruption, and suppression of dissent. “A single withheld breath ends it all,” he said. “Yet many wield authority to exploit, not uplift.” His critique extended to Nigeria’s crumbling healthcare and infrastructure, linking systemic failures to preventable suffering. “Citizens face death without electricity, medicine, or care,” he said. “We must build a nation where survival doesn’t require fleeing abroad.”

He urged leaders to draw lessons from figures like Nelson Mandela and Tanzania’s Julius Nyerere, who stepped down from power gracefully. “True dignity lies in serving humbly, not clinging to office,” Paul argued, advising officials to prioritize compassion over dominance. “Let loved ones feel warmth, not worldly coldness. That’s how we honor life—and death.”

The remarks come weeks after Buhari’s death reignited debates about leadership legacies in Africa’s most populous nation. Buhari, a former military ruler and two-term president, faced mixed reviews for his economic and security policies. Paul’s speech reframed these discussions through a philosophical lens, challenging current officeholders to consider how their actions—or inaction—will resonate beyond their lifetimes.

“No convoy follows anyone to the grave,” he concluded. “Only memories endure. Will ours be of service or self-interest?” The question echoes growing public frustration in Nigeria, where inflation, insecurity, and energy crises dominate daily life. Analysts suggest such critiques may gain traction as the 2027 elections approach, with candidates like Paul positioning accountability and mortality as inseparable themes in governance.