Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has reflected on controversial events that unfolded during his tenure, shedding light on his support for contentious policies and sharing insights on his presidency after stepping down approximately six months ago.
In an exclusive interview following the conclusion of his term, Buhari expressed his backing for the controversial naira redesign policy during the final stages of his presidency.
He emphasized that his endorsement aimed to uphold his integrity and communicate to Nigerians that achieving success requires dedication and perseverance rather than seeking quick fixes.
Speaking on a Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) program, the former President acknowledged the challenges of governing Nigeria, characterizing the populace as difficult to govern.
He remarked on the citizens’ tendency to resist compliance despite knowing the right course of action, often questioning the authority in charge.
Regarding criticism aimed at his aides during his eight-year tenure, Buhari dismissed concerns about their integrity, stating, “It is their problem,” and counter-questioned the actions taken by his fiercest critics against corruption at their respective levels.
Highlighting his administration’s commitment to accountability, Buhari revealed feeling persistently ‘harassed’ by individuals visiting his home daily, expressing relief that the nearby border closure prevented him from leaving Nigeria.
He remarked on his newfound freedom to wake up at will, asserting that he doesn’t miss anything about being in government.
Reflecting on his presidential aspirations, Buhari acknowledged the prevalent insecurity in Borno State and the northeast upon assuming office. He credited his administration for the degradation of Boko Haram by the end of his tenure.
The former President admitted focusing primarily on domestic matters during his tenure and identified securing the country as his greatest challenge.
He asserted his reluctance to engage in acquiring assets, attributing his current peace to avoiding becoming compromised by individuals seeking to exploit his position for personal gain.
Addressing his electoral journey, Buhari reflected on his struggles as a presidential candidate, highlighting the lack of financial resources and the reliance on the Permanent Voter Card (PVC) technology in 2015 that eventually led to his victory.
Expanding on the controversial naira policy, Buhari reiterated that Nigeria, as a developing country, has a long path ahead.
He emphasized the motivation behind the policy as an attempt to underline the absence of shortcuts to effective leadership and confront materialism prevalent in the country.
Buhari concluded, stating, “The motivation was to try and make Nigerians believe that there is no shortcut to successful leadership,” underscoring the imperative nature of integrity in leadership despite the challenges faced by a developing nation.