Buhari Prioritized the Poor – Femi Adesina

Femi Adesina, the former spokesperson to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, has revealed that Buhari chose not to eliminate the petrol subsidy during his administration because of his concern for its potential impact on ordinary Nigerians.

In a tribute marking Buhari’s 82nd birthday on Tuesday, Adesina emphasized that the former president’s decisions were often guided by his compassion for the underprivileged, earning him the affectionate title “Ore Mekunu,” a Yoruba phrase meaning “friend of the poor.”

Buhari’s Compassionate Leadership

Adesina noted that while the Buhari administration was fully aware of the financial burden posed by the petrol subsidy, the former president prioritized the welfare of everyday Nigerians above all else. He explained that Buhari believed the subsidy, despite its flaws, provided relief to the masses, particularly during challenging economic periods.

Reflecting on the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown, Adesina highlighted one of Buhari’s notable compassionate gestures. During that time, the former president instructed then-Finance Minister Zainab Ahmed to ensure that workers’ salaries and pensions were paid promptly. This directive, Adesina said, was aimed at alleviating the financial struggles workers faced during the pandemic.

The Subsidy Debate

Addressing the contentious issue of petrol subsidies, Adesina recounted Buhari’s perspective:

“Did the government know the subsidy was a money-guzzling monster? Absolutely. But why did Buhari allow it to remain? For the people, the ordinary people,” he wrote.

According to Adesina, Buhari often argued that when oil prices skyrocketed to over $100 per barrel, the benefits rarely trickled down to the common man. Consequently, he questioned why they should be the ones to bear the burden when prices dropped.

By the end of Buhari’s tenure, Adesina noted, all three leading presidential candidates in the 2023 election had agreed that the petrol subsidy needed to be removed. While Buhari likely shared this sentiment, he refrained from taking the step himself, fearing it could disrupt societal stability.

A Leader Loved by the Masses

Adesina credited Buhari’s popularity among ordinary Nigerians as a significant factor in his political success. He stated that Buhari’s reputation as a man of the people earned him millions of votes, even before the first ballot was cast. This widespread support helped him defeat the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2015 and secure an even larger mandate in 2019, despite numerous attempts to tarnish his image.

“Ordinary people gravitate toward Buhari like bees to a honeycomb,” Adesina wrote, adding that even in retirement, Buhari’s home remains a destination for people eager to see him.

A Salute to a “Friend of the Poor”

As Buhari celebrated his 82nd birthday on December 17, 2024, Adesina concluded his tribute by honoring the former president’s enduring legacy. “I salute the *Ore Mekunu,* a true friend of the poor, who continues to draw people like a magnet,” he wrote.

Through his policies and actions, Adesina portrayed Buhari as a leader who consistently placed the needs of ordinary Nigerians at the heart of his governance, leaving a lasting impression as a “friend of the poor.”