Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un. Surely, we belong to Allah and to Him we shall return.
It is with a heavy heart that I respond to Dan Bello’s piece titled “Allah Ya ji kan Buhari: A Bar Gaskiya ta yi Halinta.” Not because criticism of leaders is unwarranted, but because his words come at a time when the subject of his criticism — former President Muhammadu Buhari — has just passed on. It is not only uncharitable but deeply un-Islamic to speak ill of the dead.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) clearly advised:
"Do not abuse the dead, for they have reached what they put forward."
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 1393)
This is not a matter of opinion, but a divine command. The dead can no longer defend themselves. As Muslims, our duty is to pray for their forgiveness and leave their judgment to Allah, who alone knows the hearts and intentions of men.
I also find it necessary to point out that Dan Bello, as a journalist, should know better. It is against the ethics of journalism to present an unfair, one-sided account — especially about someone who has passed away. Any criticism that refuses to acknowledge both sides of the coin is not only unbalanced but fundamentally dishonest.
Frankly, I fail to see the logic behind this kind of posthumous condemnation. First, no leader — not even the most visionary or capable — can solve all the problems of a nation. Nigeria’s challenges are systemic, deep-rooted, and multifaceted. Expecting any one man to “fix” everything is unrealistic. Blaming Buhari for not achieving the impossible is neither fair nor rational.
Secondly, he is dead. What now is the point of this venom? To correct history? Or to score points against a man who can no longer reply? If truth is what is sought, then let it be whole truth, not truth twisted for emotional effect or political drama.
Let’s not forget that many Nigerians still acknowledge and appreciate Buhari’s contributions, even if they had reasons to disagree with some of his policies. Some of his notable achievements include:
* Rebuilding of national infrastructure — major highways, railways, bridges, and airports.
* Revitalization of agriculture and increased food production through programmes like Anchor Borrowers.
* Anti-corruption measures such as the TSA, IPPIS, and whistleblower policy.
* Improved fiscal discipline and growth in non-oil revenue.
* Expansion of social welfare initiatives including TraderMoni, MarketMoni, and school feeding programmes.
* Efforts to restore security and recover territories held by terrorists, particularly in the North-East.
Mistakes? Certainly. Unmet expectations? Undeniably. But Buhari was no monster. He didn’t set out to harm the country. He made efforts, many of which yielded results, even if imperfectly.
And fortunately, if a true and fair survey were to be conducted today, based on the reactions we've seen from people across the country — both online and offline — it is highly likely that for every single negative comment made about Buhari, no less than ten positive rejoinders would rise in response. That speaks volumes. It shows that, for all his faults, Buhari earned genuine respect and gratitude from many Nigerians.
Criticism is necessary in any democracy. But criticism without balance, without context, and without mercy — especially against the dead — is nothing but injustice. Let us speak the truth, but let us speak it with conscience.
May Allah forgive Muhammadu Buhari his shortcomings, accept his good deeds, and grant him eternal peace. And may we be guided to speak with honesty, balance, and mercy — for we, too, shall one day be spoken of.
Signed: Ahmed Abdulkadir, A Fellow Muslim, A Witness to History, A Believer in Justice With Mercy.
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