The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has paid tribute to former President Muhammadu Buhari following news of his death, describing his legacy as a mix of discipline-driven leadership, civic reforms, and hard-learned lessons for Nigeria’s future leaders.
In a condolence statement issued on Sunday, the Executive Director of CISLAC and Head of Transparency International Nigeria, Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, extended heartfelt sympathies and prayers for the former president’s eternal rest.
“May his soul rest in peace. Nigerians will particularly remember him for his early leadership as a military head of state, during which he launched the War Against Indiscipline (WAI),” Rafsanjani noted.
He described the WAI initiative as a landmark effort that instilled a sense of order, patriotism, and civic duty among citizens. “People came to work on time, respected queues in public places, and proudly displayed national symbols like the flag. Those were moments when discipline was embedded in everyday life,” he recalled.
However, Rafsanjani acknowledged that Buhari’s tenure as a military ruler was also marred by criticisms over human rights abuses — a history that continued to shadow his return to power as a democratically elected president in 2015.
“Expectations were understandably high when he took office, especially given his reputation for integrity and his anti-corruption stance,” Rafsanjani said. “But over time, particularly in his second term, public confidence declined, as many Nigerians felt that the anticipated reforms were not fully achieved.”
He emphasized that Buhari’s administration, though well-intentioned and globally respected, was hampered by internal political challenges. “Leadership is not only about good intentions. It must also involve strategic execution, transparent governance, and accountability,” he stated.
Rafsanjani underscored Buhari’s impact on shaping national discourse around security, anti-corruption, and governance. He credited civil society groups, including CISLAC, with engaging actively with Buhari’s government on matters of reform and institutional development.
As the country reflects on Buhari’s life and legacy, CISLAC urged current and emerging leaders to draw from both his strengths and shortcomings.
“His life presents lessons that leaders must learn from — that discipline, civic responsibility, and integrity must be matched with effective governance,” Rafsanjani said.
He concluded with a call for national unity and visionary leadership: “Let us place national interest above all and work towards legacies that inspire future generations. May Allah grant him eternal rest. Ameen.”
