“Seven Reasons Why History Will Remember Buhari Differently Than Critics Do”....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

. He Once Refused a Presidential Salary

During his early months as a civilian president in 2015, Muhammadu Buhari voluntarily slashed his salary by 50%, citing the country’s economic hardship. What many Nigerians may not know is that he initially sought to decline the salary altogether, believing that leadership should be about service, not personal gain. He was eventually persuaded to accept half in order to comply with federal regulations. According to NIVONEWS, this move was part of a broader effort by Buhari to signal personal austerity and restore trust in governance.

. He Was Almost Killed in a 2014 Bomb Attack — and Forgave the Perpetrators

On July 23, 2014, Buhari narrowly survived a deadly bomb attack on his convoy in Kaduna, one of two coordinated explosions that claimed over 80 lives that day. Despite the trauma, Buhari rejected retaliation, insisting it was “God’s will” and instead called for national unity. His reaction stunned many at the time. He later told associates he had forgiven those responsible, choosing peace over vengeance.

. He Once Walked Out on the OAU Over Apartheid

In 1985, during the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) summit in Addis Ababa, Buhari—then Nigeria’s military Head of State—walked out in protest over the OAU’s reluctance to take decisive action against South Africa’s apartheid regime. According to eyewitnesses, his abrupt departure unsettled other leaders but won Nigeria renewed respect in global anti-apartheid circles. According to NIVONEWS, it was one of the most assertive moral stands by any Nigerian leader on the international stage.

. He Secretly Visited His Old Primary School as President

During a quiet visit to Daura in 2016, Buhari made an unannounced stop at his alma mater, Katsina Middle School. According to NIVONEWS sources within the community, he strolled the compound, sat on a familiar bench, and visited one of his former teachers, who was in his nineties. It was a deeply personal moment of nostalgia—one that reminded him, reportedly, of “life before the gun and politics.”

. He Refused to Sack His Cook of 30 Years

Buhari’s sense of loyalty extended beyond politics. He kept the same personal cook from Katsina for over three decades—from his military rule through to his civilian presidency. When security officials recommended replacing the entire kitchen staff at Aso Rock in 2015, Buhari stood his ground. According to NIVONEWS, he said the cook’s meals reminded him of home, and trust mattered more than protocol.

. He Declined a Private Jet as Military Head of State

As military ruler from 1983 to 1985, Buhari turned down the use of a dedicated presidential jet. Instead, he traveled on standard military or commercial aircraft, believing that excessive spending on comfort was unnecessary. He once delayed a foreign trip, reportedly stating, “The state shouldn’t spend that much to transport one man.” This decision reinforced his spartan and disciplined reputation.

. He Was Detained in Isolation for 3 Years — And Came Out Silent

Following his ouster by General Babangida in August 1985, Buhari was detained without formal charges for nearly three years in Benin City. Isolated from the outside world—without newspapers, radio, or family—he endured a long silence. Upon release in 1988, many expected him to speak out or seek revenge, but instead, he quietly returned to Kaduna and remained politically inactive for years, until re-emerging on the national scene in the early 2000s.

Buhari’s presidency was defined by discipline, nationalistic policies, and infrastructure expansion, but also marred by economic strain, deepening insecurity, and a perceived democratic backsliding. He remains a towering, controversial figure in Nigeria’s post-1999 political history.

”NIVONEWS REPORTS”

Stay connected via Google News

Follow us for the latest travel updates and guides.