“Change begins with me” was not just a slogan President Muhammadu Buhari came up with to win the presidential election. It was evidence of his consistency in bringing the required change to Nigeria right since his tenure as a military ruler.
In the years following his tenure as military ruler, he remained active in Nigerian politics and often criticized the government and called for reform for a change in Nigeria.
In 1993 “The government is not doing enough to address the economic and social challenges facing our country.”
In 2002 “The government must take steps to tackle corruption and improve the economy.”
In 2011 “The government must take steps to tackle corruption, improve the economy, and respect human rights.”
If consistency to bring about change is a person, then President Muhammadu Buhari should be pointed at as he has consistently portrayed the change he wants. He is known for his strict stance against corruption and has implemented policies to combat corruption during his tenure as President.
In 2016, he announced that his government had recovered over $9 billion in looted funds. He said: “Recovering looted assets is not just a moral duty; it is also a practical necessity. The recovered funds will be used to finance vital infrastructure and social services.”
From military ruler to President, the story of Muhammadu Buhari is one of power, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to fighting corruption.
Let’s dive into the life of Nigeria’s current leader, starting with the most important thing.
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President Muhammadu Buhari: Birth
President Muhammadu Buhari was born on December 17, 1942, in Daura, Katsina State, Nigeria. He is the son of Adamu Buhari and Zulaihat Buhari. He grew up in a small village in the northern region of Nigeria and had a Muslim upbringing.
President Buhari has a large family. He is the 23rd of his father’s 38 children and the 18th of his mother’s 27 children.
President Muhammadu Buhari: Education
He received his primary education in Daura, Katsina State, Nigeria. He then attended Government College, Katsina, a boarding school in the northern region of Nigeria. After completing his secondary education, he enrolled in the Nigerian Military Training College (NMTC) in 1962.
President Muhammadu Buhari graduated from the NMTC in 1963 and was commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant in the Nigerian Army.
He went on to attend several military training programs, both in Nigeria and abroad, including the Platoon Commanders’ Course in 1964, the Company Commanders’ Course in 1965, the Young Officers’ Course in 1968, the Armed Forces Command and Staff College in Jaji in 1976, and the United States Army War College in 1979.
Throughout his military career, President Buhari received extensive training in various military disciplines, including infantry, armour, and logistics. He also received training in counterinsurgency and counter-terrorism tactics, which helped him in his fight against Boko Haram.
His military education and training have helped him be a decisive leader. He is well-versed in military strategies, tactics, and operations, allowing him to lead the country and apply specific strategies and policies to curb corruption.
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Military Career
After President Muhammadu Buhari was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Nigerian Army, he quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a Major General in 1975.
During his time in the military, Buhari served in various roles, including as Military Governor of Borno State and as Commander of the 2nd and 3rd Divisions of the Nigerian Army.
He was also appointed as the Federal Commissioner for Petroleum and Natural Resources and served as the chairman of the Nigerian National Oil Corporation.
In 1983, Buhari seized power in a military coup, overthrowing the democratically elected government of President Shehu Shagari. He became the country’s military ruler and implemented strict policies to combat corruption and improve the economy.
As a military ruler, President Buhari suspended several corrupt officials from public office and formed a body to investigate corruption and recover looted funds.
He also implemented economic policies to improve the Nigerian economy, such as the devaluation of the Nigerian currency, the Naira, and the introduction of austerity measures to curb government spending.
However, his regime was also marked by human rights abuses and a lack of political freedoms. “Amnesty International, in their report of 1985, documented human rights abuses, including extrajudicial killings, torture, and arbitrary arrests, carried out by the military government led by Buhari.”
In 1985, Buhari was overthrown in another military coup and was imprisoned for three years. After his release, he retired from the military and returned to private life. During this time, he remained active in Nigerian politics, often criticizing the government and calling for reform.
In a speech in 1993, President Buhari criticized the government, saying: “The government is not doing enough to address the economic and social challenges facing our country.”
Political Career
In 2002, President Muhammadu Buhari ran for president for the first time as the candidate for the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) but lost the election to Olusegun Obasanjo. He ran again in 2011 as the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) candidate and lost to Goodluck Jonathan.
It was not until March 8 2015, that Buhari finally won the presidential election as the candidate for the All Progressives Congress (APC) and became the President of Nigeria.
He took office on May 29, 2015, and since then has been in office, focusing on fighting corruption, improving the economy, and tackling the Boko Haram insurgency.
“We are committed to fighting corruption in all its forms and manifestations, and we are making progress in this area. We are also committed to addressing the economic challenges facing our country and creating an environment that is conducive to growth and development.”
“We are also taking steps to tackle the insurgency in the North-East and restore peace and security to the region.”
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President Muhammadu Buhari: Family
It’s good to know the president also has a family outside of politics, indicating he’s also human and can make wrong decisions like you and me.
President Muhammadu Buhari has a large family. He has two wives and 10 children. His first wife was Safinatu Buhari (Nee Yusuf), whom he married in 1971. And she gave birth to five children; however, their marriage didn’t last, which led to their divorce in 1988.
His children include Yusuf Buhari, Zarah Buhari, Fatimah Buhari, and Hanan Buhari. Yusuf Buhari, his son, is known for being involved in a motorcycle accident in 2017, and he had to undergo surgery in Germany. Zarah Buhari, his daughter, is a fashion enthusiast.
Zahra Buhari
Zahra Buhari is a young woman involved in various charitable causes, known for her philanthropy and interest in fashion and style.
Zahra Buhari is the eldest daughter of President Muhammadu Buhari and his wife Aisha Buhari’s children. Zahra was born in 1996 in Kaduna, Nigeria. Zahra Buhari attended primary and secondary school in Nigeria and later studied at the University of Westminster in the United Kingdom. She earned a degree in Public Relations and Advertising.
She is known for her philanthropic activities, such as raising awareness about education for girls and women and supporting children with special needs. (Like father like daughter willing to bring change to people).
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Muhammadu Buhari’s Age
Muhammadu Buhari was born on December 17, 1942, which made him 72 years old when he was elected as the president of Nigeria. ( The oldest person ever to be elected as the president of Nigeria). His age has been a concern for people as it was believed it would limit his capacity to serve as president.
Although his age may have affected his capacity to travel frequently, he has had to take some breaks from his duties due to health reasons.
In 2017 and 2019, he took a medical leave to the UK, which raised concerns among the public about his health and ability to rule. But he has returned to work after each leave and has continued to lead the country.
However, it’s worth mentioning that this old man‘s tenure has directly impacted older citizens by making policies around issues affecting the country’s older citizens.
Like increasing the retirement age for older people from 60-65, “this policy aimed to address age discrimination in the workplace by allowing older workers the opportunity to continue working and earning a salary for a longer period.”
Improving access to healthcare for older citizens: President Buhari’s government has implemented policies to improve access to healthcare for older citizens, such as increasing the number of healthcare facilities in rural areas and providing funding for healthcare projects that benefit older citizens.
And the policies, in one way or another, are not exclusive to elderly citizens. They have a direct impact on them.
Muhammadu Buhari’s Salary & Net worth
Due to President Muhammadu Buhari’s varied career as president, both in the military and politics, he is considered one of the wealthy people in Nigeria. In terms of his salary, as a president of Nigeria, it is also known that the president is paid a salary and allowances.
According to the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), the President of Nigeria earns an annual salary of NGN 14,442,500 (about $39,000) and an annual allowance of NGN 2,475,000 (about $6,800).
As a former military ruler, he also receives a pension from the Nigerian government, but the amount is not publicly disclosed.
In terms of his Net worth, the exact net worth of the president is not publicly disclosed as he is a public official, which makes it impossible to provide an exact figure. But also, the president’s salary and net worth are determined by the Nigerian Government and Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC).
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Muhammadu Buhari’s Phone Number
The president’s phone number is not available to the public as it could be used for malicious purposes or to harass him. However, you can contact the president’s office or the official website through the Presidential Villa, Aso Rock, Three Arms Zone, Abuja, Nigeria.
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Interesting Facts About The President
President Muhammadu Buhari was once a Nigerian National Oil Corporation member, serving as its chairman in the late 1970s.
He is known for his strict stance against corruption and has implemented policies to combat corruption during his tenure as President.
President Buhari is a former military ruler of Nigeria, having seized power in a military coup in 1983. He ruled the country until 1985 when he was overthrown in another military coup.
He is the first Nigerian president to have been elected twice consecutively into office since the return of democracy.
He is considered a man of integrity and has a reputation for being a tough disciplinarian.
“We will continue to uphold the rule of law, and take decisive action against any form of corruption, whether it is by a public official or a private citizen.”
He is a strong advocate for the development of the northern region of Nigeria and has initiated various policies to improve the lives of citizens in that region.
“We are taking steps to improve the lives of people, especially the northern regions of our country, where poverty and underdevelopment are widespread. We will continue to work to create jobs, boost economic growth, and improve the standard of living for all Nigerians.”
He is a lover of farming and has farmlands spread across Nigeria, particularly in Daura, where he hails from.
He has been considered one of the most powerful and influential leaders in Africa by international media outlets such as Forbes and Time Magazine. “ In 2016, Forbes listed him as one of the most powerful people in Africa.”
He has been honoured with various traditional titles by several Nigerian ethnic groups and is regarded as a cultural icon.
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Conclusion
President Muhammadu Buhari is the current President of Nigeria with the longest history of public service. He has consistently emphasized the importance of fighting corruption, improving the economy, and ensuring security for all citizens.
President Muhammadu Buhari has had a long and varied career, marked by his commitment to fighting corruption, improving the economy, and ensuring peace and security in Nigeria.
He has played a significant role in shaping the course of Nigerian politics and continues to be a major force in the country’s political landscape.
