By Amos Aar
FOLLOWING a glowing tribute on the late former President Muhammadu Buhari by Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State, a number of social media activists in the state have responded, expressing their unfiltered sentiments about the former president’s legacy, against the backdrop of the deadly herdsmen attacks on Benue communities that claimed thousands of lives and rendered many homeless during his time in office.
Governor Alia had, in his tribute, expressed sorrow over the death of the late former President Buhari, who passed away on Sunday at a clinic in London, United Kingdom.
In the tribute signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, Governor Alia described the late leader as a resolute patriot whose life was defined by integrity and commitment to the country’s progress.
Governor Alia noted that Buhari’s leadership, both as a military head of state from 1984 to 1985 and as a democratically elected president between 2015 and 2023, left indelible marks in Nigeria’s history.
According to the governor, Buhari served the nation with courage and conviction, always prioritising the collective good over personal interests. He described the late president as a statesman who devoted his life to national service, praying God to console his family, the people of Katsina State, and all Nigerians, while granting him eternal rest.
Abraham C. Kyambe, a Facebook user, in response to Alia’s tribute, wrote: “His administration was marked by the genocide in Benue State and the open mockery of our fallen heroes as his tenure drew to a close. Posterity will judge him according to his actions, Amen. We’ll miss you greatly sir,” the closing line laced with biting irony.
For Tivta Samuel, another Facebook user stated: “The death of former President Muhammadu Buhari has come as a reminder to many, especially those in power today. It should serve as a wake-up call… President Buhari once had so much power. He was feared. He was obeyed. But today, all that is in the past. His story is now history, just like those who ruled before him. Let those in power now reflect. What kind of history are you writing with your actions?”
Echoing similar sentiments, another Facebook user, Esther Ternenge Abodi commented: “Why must he die now? He should have lived to see that Nigeria passed his power.”
Margaret Mamnenge, also a Facebook user, dismissed the news of Buhari’s passing entirely, writing: “Na today??? Man wey die years back,” in reference to long-standing conspiracy theories that the real Buhari had died years ago and was allegedly replaced by a lookalike.
The reactions show the deep scars and unresolved grievances many in Benue still harbor over the handling of insecurity and perceived neglect during Buhari’s presidency. While official voices like that of Governor Alia have chosen a tone of solemn respect, the spontaneous public outpouring has been mixed, a reminder of the complexities that often trail the legacies of power.
