Mid-Term: Buhari Praises Tinubu’s Leadership, Urges Nigerians to Tame Expectations…Former President Muhammadu Buhari has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his handling of Nigeria’s complex governance challenges, as the administration reaches its mid-term point.
Speaking from his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, during a visit by the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service and his management team, Buhari acknowledged the efforts made so far by his successor and urged Nigerians to be more patient and realistic in their expectations.
Buhari, who served as Nigeria’s president from 2015 to 2023, said that governing a nation as vast and complicated as Nigeria is no easy task.
According to him, President Tinubu has done well in managing a difficult and deeply layered political and economic environment.
He explained that the challenges confronting the country are not only historical but deeply entrenched, requiring time and consistent effort to overcome.
He praised Tinubu for showing courage in the face of tough economic and political decisions.
“I think Tinubu has done very well. Nigeria is so complex. Really, there isn’t much anybody can do easily,” Buhari said, speaking with a tone of empathy and reflection.
His remarks were seen as a call for greater understanding from Nigerians who have been facing economic hardships in the aftermath of key reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration.
The former president emphasized that meaningful development in Nigeria must be viewed as a long-term project.
He said that change, especially in a country of over 200 million people with diverse ethnic, religious, and socio-economic interests, does not happen overnight.
Buhari urged the public to moderate their expectations, stressing that progress must be measured not only by quick results but by consistency in leadership and the courage to make difficult but necessary policy decisions.
Buhari’s comments come at a time when Tinubu’s administration has faced scrutiny over the removal of the fuel subsidy, the devaluation of the naira through foreign exchange reforms, and the general rise in the cost of living.
While many Nigerians continue to express frustration with economic pressures, Buhari’s remarks appear to lend support to Tinubu’s reform agenda, suggesting that the challenges being faced today are part of a broader effort to reposition the country for future growth.
Observers say Buhari’s statement carries weight, not just because of his experience as a former president, but also because he understands the pressures and constraints of running the Nigerian state.
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His words are being interpreted as both a show of solidarity with the current administration and a subtle reminder to the public that leadership involves trade-offs and endurance.
The former president also lauded the leadership of the Nigeria Customs Service, describing their visit to Daura as “historic.”
He encouraged the agency to continue supporting national development through revenue generation and border security, both of which are critical to the country’s economic stability.
Buhari’s message comes amid a growing conversation about the future of governance in Nigeria and the importance of civic patience.
His appeal for Nigerians to lower their expectations echoes recent statements made by former presidential spokesperson Garba Shehu, who had earlier urged citizens to appreciate the constraints leaders face in a country as dynamic and challenging as Nigeria.
While challenges remain in sectors such as security, inflation, and unemployment, Buhari’s praise of Tinubu may help bolster public confidence in the administration’s direction.
The former president’s words also serve as a reminder that while expectations are natural, they must be balanced with an understanding of the realities of governance.
As Nigeria continues its path toward reform and renewal, the need for unity, patience, and collective responsibility becomes ever more important.
Buhari’s call for moderated expectations may not immediately resolve the nation’s difficulties, but it adds a seasoned voice to the ongoing dialogue about what it takes to lead — and transform — a country as diverse and demanding as Nigeria.
