As Nigeria continues to mourn the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, members of his family have spoken publicly, offering intimate reflections on his personal life, values, and the legacy he leaves behind.
In an interview with the BBC Hausa Service, Buhari’s children and grandchildren shared stories that reveal the late leader’s character beyond politics — his humour, discipline, and unwavering commitment to integrity.
Buhari passed away on Sunday in a London clinic following a yet-to-be-disclosed protracted illness. He was brought back into the country on Tuesday and buried in Daura, his hometown. Nigerians from all walks of life thronged Daura to pay their respects.
His death has sparked a wave of reactions across Nigeria and beyond, with many reflecting on his presidency, his military past, and his personal journey as a father and grandfather.
‘He cautioned us not to use what doesn’t belong to us’
Hadiza Muhammadu Buhari, popularly known as Nana, one of his daughters, spoke about her father’s strict moral code and the lessons he instilled in his children from a young age. “I remember when we were little, there’s a time he gave me money to buy textbooks. After buying the books, I used the remaining change to buy sweets,” she recalled.
“When I returned and gave him the remaining balance, he said, ‘Nana, that’s improper. If you’re sent to buy something, return the change to the person who sent you. If they choose to give it to you, accept it. But never touch what doesn’t belong to you.’”
Nana described her father as a man of principle, patience, and quiet strength. “He used to call me Madam Nana. We would chat, joke, and laugh together. He didn’t like noise, and even when insulted, he never retaliated — he would just look at you.”
She also said late Buhari had special attachment to all his children. I am deeply pained by his exit, just the way I was devastated when we lost our mother 20 years ago.
“We used to discuss a lot of issues whenever we are together…Sometimes, he used to tell me that whenever he looked at me, I reminded him of his mother.”
Nana added that Buhari’s love for his grandchildren was unwavering.
“He had special names for all of them. There is Mama and there is Babban Mutum. He also loved his relatives and he kept a bond with them.
“He was also in love with animals, including his cattle. He had turtles and peacocks,” she said.
She also shared a moment from his final days. “During his treatment, I went to London to check on him. When he got better, I told him I was returning to Nigeria. He asked, ‘Where are you going?’ I said, ‘Back to Nigeria,’ and he replied, ‘Then go and greet Nigerians for me.’”
‘We are grateful to those who forgave our father’
Aisha Hanan Buhari, one of his younger daughters, expressed deep sorrow over the loss. “Losing him feels like losing a part of me,” she said. “What I’ll miss most is his sense of humour. I looked at him as a part of myself.”
Hanan also addressed the public response to her father’s passing, particularly the expressions of forgiveness from Nigerians.
“We have nothing to say to them but to say thank you, Alhamdulillah,” she said. “He had good intentions for Nigerians. He belonged to everyone.”
She added that her father encouraged her to pursue education, prayer, and activities that brought joy and fulfilment. “He trained me to study, pray, and do things that make us happy,” she said.
‘He gifted me a turtle three times’
One of Buhari’s granddaughters, Sa’adatu Muhammad, also shared her memories, including a unique tradition her grandfather upheld. “Whenever a grandchild was born, he would send two turtles — a male and a female — for the child to raise,” she said.
Sa’adatu recalled receiving turtles from him on three separate occasions. “He gifted me some and they died. He gave me another set, and they also died. He gave me a third time but said he would not give me any more,” she added.
She also reflected on the public’s reaction to Buhari’s legacy. “This is a great gift — someone who has the right to be angry but chooses to forgive. There’s a video of him apologising after he left office, which went viral. People saw it.”
Sa’adatu defended her grandfather’s reputation, saying, “Human beings are not infallible. Everyone has lapses. But no matter what you think of him, you can’t call Baba a thief, and you can’t call him a tyrant.”
Domestic staff share emotional memories
Suleiman Sani Kaita, a long time member of Muhammadu Buhari’s domestic staff who personally served the late president his meals and drinks, has shared heartfelt reflections on their final moments together.
“We had a good working relationship with him. He loved us, and we loved him dearly,” Kaita said. “We pray that Allah forgives him, admits him into Jannah, and gives us the strength to bear this irreparable loss.”
Kaita also revealed Buhari’s simple culinary preferences. “His favourite food was boiled potatoes and eggs. He was a regular tea person and doesn’t eat much — he preferred light meals.”
Aliyu Maiwada Masanawa, another member of Buhari’s domestic staff, recalled the warmth and affection the former president showed him over the years, “Since I met him, he treated me like his grandchild.
“He even gave me a pet name — ‘Malam Dogo’— and people used to fondly joke with me about it.”
He described his time with Buhari as filled with joy and fond memories, saying the late president’s humility and kindness left a lasting impression on those who worked closely with him.(Daily trust)
