Lagos, Nigeria – July 15, 2025 —
Prominent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Chief Bode George, has described the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari as a poignant reminder for all Nigerians, especially those in leadership positions, to reflect on the kind of legacy they will leave behind.
Speaking during a live interview on Channels Television on Tuesday, Chief George emphasized the importance of living a purposeful life that will be remembered positively long after one’s departure.
“The death of former President Muhammadu Buhari is not just a national moment of mourning, it is a lesson for those of us who are still alive,” he stated. “It calls us to ponder deeply on what will be said about us when we are no more.”
Chief George urged political leaders and public servants to focus not only on the power and privileges of office but also on the enduring impact of their actions on the lives of ordinary Nigerians. He said history would always judge individuals based on their contributions to national development, peace, unity, and justice.
“Leadership is not about self-aggrandizement,” he noted. “It’s about service. What people say about you after you’re gone is more important than the titles you hold while alive.”
While acknowledging the controversies and differing opinions that characterized President Buhari’s time in office, Chief George said it was now up to posterity to assess his achievements and shortcomings. “Whether people agree or not, what’s certain is that he led this nation. And now that he is no more, history will do its job,” he added.
President Muhammadu Buhari, who led Nigeria as a military head of state from 1983 to 1985 and later as a civilian president from 2015 to 2023, passed away recently, prompting mixed reactions from across the political spectrum and the citizenry. Tributes have poured in, reflecting a complex legacy shaped by efforts to fight corruption, enhance infrastructure, and strengthen national security, as well as criticisms over perceived shortcomings in governance, economy, and human rights.
Chief George concluded by calling on Nigerians to rise above partisan lines and commit to building a nation where integrity, truth, and patriotism guide every public and private endeavor.
“As we mourn, we must also learn. We must remember that no matter how long we live, our legacy is what truly remains,” he said.