Buhari Is Not A Total Failure - Sociologist (Godwin Agaba Ochube)

Buhari’s Administration Not a Total Failure | ABU Sociologist

Godwin Agaba Ochube, a master’s student of sociology at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, has asserted that former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration should not be dismissed entirely as a failure.

In a detailed post, he examined both the achievements and shortcomings of Buhari’s tenure, presenting a more nuanced view of the past government.

According to Ochube:

“Objectively, you can’t label Buhari a total failure. He made commendable strides, particularly in infrastructure, connecting roads and bridges to various African countries was an economically strategic move. The completion of key projects such as the Second Niger Bridge and Owego Bridge stands as proof of that.”

However, he emphasized that these infrastructural developments were overshadowed by critical missteps in economic policy:

“His economic approach was poorly executed. As Karl Marx argued, the economic base determines the direction of the entire societal structure. Buhari’s border closure came before investing in production, which was a backward strategy. Then, reopening the border just as local rice mills were gaining traction reversed any progress we made.”

Ochube blamed these inconsistencies for triggering inflation and worsening poverty:

“Borrowing primarily for consumption rather than investment in productive sectors undermined the economy. His delay in restructuring the NNPC and missed opportunities like Atiku’s 2019 privatization proposal cost the country dearly, especially during global crises like the Russia-Ukraine war.”

He added that Nigeria lost a chance to prepare its energy and petroleum sectors ahead of the private sector, like the Dangote Refinery.

“Even when he eventually moved to reform the sector, handing over leadership to politically favored individuals with little to no expertise further deepened inefficiencies.”

Ochube concluded with a reflection on leadership and competence:

“Nigeria needs visionary, business-minded leaders. Atiku Abubakar, regardless of personal sentiment, has shown an understanding of economic strategy. We must shift from voting based on regional sentiment to choosing leaders based on competence and policy clarity.”

While acknowledging some achievements, Ochube maintained that Buhari’s legacy remains tainted by failures in key sectors: