‘Remember Buhari As Good Man, Not For 8 Years As President’, Bishop Kukah Tells Nigerians

Bishop of Sokoto Catholic Diocese, Matthew Hassan Kukah has called on Nigerians to view the legacy of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari beyond his two-term presidency but to remember his broader contributions to the nation’s development.

Bishop Kukah, in a telephone interview, described Buhari as a “good man” who served Nigeria in various capacities and should not be judged solely on his years in civilian office.

“We shouldn’t focus on his eight years of being President of Nigeria, but as a great man who made his contributions to this country as a military officer, among many other things,” Kukah said.

The cleric emphasised the need for national reflection and compassion after Buhari’s passing, adding that his service life extended beyond the political challenges often associated with his presidency.

Kukah, who once served as Secretary-General of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, offered prayers for the repose of Buhari’s soul, and extended condolences to his family and the nation.

“May God grant him eternal rest, and may He give consolation to his family. Extend our sympathy. All of us as a nation are mourning,” he added.

LEADERSHIP reports that Buhari died on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at the age of 82, in a London hospital after a brief illness.

He served as Nigeria’s military Head of State from 1983 to 1985, and later as a democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023.