The death of Nigeria’s former president, Muhammadu Buhari, has sparked a moment of reflection on the nature of power, corruption, and the ultimate futility of wealth accumulated through exploitation.
Buhari, like many African leaders before him, amassed enormous wealth during his time in office, yet his passing, as with many others, has been marked by a simple grave, devoid of the pomp and grandeur that his position once afforded him. His death underscores a tragic irony: those who steal from the people often die with nothing, leaving behind only a tarnished legacy.
During Buhari’s presidency, Nigeria’s resources were allegedly looted by him and his close associates. Trillions of Naira meant for public services such as schools, hospitals, and roads were siphoned off into foreign banks in places like Switzerland, the UK, and Dubai, out of reach from the suffering citizens of Nigeria. What remains now are only questions: Who truly benefited from this wealth? Was it his family, or was it hidden away, leaving Nigerians with nothing but empty promises?
Buhari’s story echoes that of other African leaders, such as Mobutu Sese Seko of Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo). Mobutu looted billions, took the money to Europe, and left his country in ruins. Upon his death, the wealth remained in foreign accounts while his nation continued to suffer. This pattern of corruption is widespread across Africa: leaders steal from their people, stash the money abroad, and when they die, their stolen wealth never returns to the continent.
In many cases, these same leaders’ countries are burdened with high-interest loans from foreign institutions, further sinking the nations into debt. It’s a double tragedy—first, the theft, and then the financial burden of repaying the looted funds.
This is a cycle that needs to end. It’s not just about Nigeria or Congo; it’s about all of Africa. African nations, including Kenya, have witnessed this endless cycle of corruption, where leaders live lavishly while their citizens suffer. Hospitals lack medicine, schools crumble, and basic infrastructure is neglected.
The lesson from these leaders’ deaths is clear: Power is fleeting, and the wealth stolen through corruption can never truly benefit the thief. It is up to the next generation of African leaders to break this pattern. African leaders in power must serve their people with honesty and patriotism, not for personal gain. True leadership is about building a legacy of progress, transparency, and service to the people.
As the world watches, the death of leaders like Buhari should serve as a stark reminder that the price of corruption is not only paid by the people but also by those who think they can take the wealth with them. When the time comes, it’s the people who remain, and the legacy they inherit.
Let’s learn from the past and demand accountability, ensuring that Africa’s wealth stays in Africa, for the benefit of its citizens, not the corrupt few.
