President Muhammadu Buhari’s eight-year reign has been characterized by many controversial events that have left Nigerians divided. While supporters of the President have lauded his efforts, others have been critical of his policies. In this report, we take a look at ten of the most controversial moments that took place under his administration.
Twitter Ban
Following the deletion of a controversial tweet by President Buhari referencing the Southeast and the Nigerian Civil War, Twitter was banned in Nigeria for six months. Nigerians were forced to use VPNs to access the platform, causing economic hardship for many who rely on it for their livelihood. Journalists also faced difficulties in gathering news.
EndSARS- Lekki Toll Gate
The alleged military attack on peaceful protesters at Lekki Toll Gate on October 20, 2020, sparked an international outcry. While the government denied any wrongdoing, eyewitness accounts, videos, and photos went viral on social media, fueling the momentum of the #EndSARS movement, which called for the end of police brutality in Nigeria.
Invasion of judges’ Houses
The invasion of the houses of several senior judicial officers by Nigeria’s secret police in March 2016, caused a backlash from Nigerians who saw it as an attempt to clamp down on the judiciary. The government defended the action as a fight against corruption.
Shutdown of borders
In a bid to curb smuggling from neighboring countries, President Buhari ordered the shutdown of Nigeria’s land borders. While the policy led to a “rice revolution,” prices of commodities skyrocketed, leaving Nigerians to bear the brunt of the “anti-trade” policy.
Invasion of Nnamdi Kanu’s House
The invasion of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu’s house in 2017 by the Nigerian Army, further escalated the crisis in Southeastern Nigeria. His subsequent arrest and detention have continued to fuel insecurity in the region.
Nomination of dead people
In 2017, Buhari nominated about six dead people for appointments.
Shi’a El-Zakzaky
The arrest and detention of Shi’a leader, Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, and his wife, who reportedly lost some of their children, led to protests by his followers and confrontations with the police.
Invasion of National Assembly by DSS
Following the siege of Nigeria’s National Assembly complex by the DSS, many accused the security agency of undermining the legislature. The action was viewed as aimed at undermining the Acting President at the time, Yemi Osinbajo.
Naira Redesign
The redesign of the Naira by the Central Bank of Nigeria led to Naira scarcity and almost crippled the economy. The policy fueled hardship, causing many to call for a reversal.
In conclusion, President Buhari’s eight years in power have been marked by both positive and negative moments. It remains to be seen how the next administration will address the challenges that continue to bedevil the country.
