Monday, July 20, 2026

I’m eager to stop being president, return to my cows; become ‘big landlord’, Buhari informs U.S.

In January 2022, the former military dictator complained about ruling Nigeria.

• March 22, 2023
Buhari in cattle farm
Buhari in cattle farm used to illustrate the story

Part of President Muhammadu Buhari’s life ambition is to become “a big landlord” in Daura, he revealed to the U.S. ambassador Mary Beth Leonard.

In January 2022, the former military dictator complained about ruling Nigeria.

Mr Buhari also told the American diplomat that he could not wait to stop being Nigerian president and return to his farm where his “more than 300 animals” await him.

It is unclear if the Nigerian ruler wants to become a real estate developer in his home state Katsina.

“I plan to be a big landlord back at home, working on my farms and tending to more than 300 animals. I am eager to go,” the Nigerian president told Ms Leonard.

The president, whose regime ends on May 28, made this statement at the State House in a farewell meeting with the outgoing U.S. ambassador. 

Mr Buhari explained to Ms Leonard that “with the currency change, there was no money to spread around, but even then, I told voters to take the money and vote according to their consciences.”

Last February, Governor Abdullahi Ganduje said Mr Buhari did not achieve anything throughout his eight years in office.

“In the first term, nothing of great importance can point out as his achievement, same as in his second term. So, why is he bringing out all these policies now? Why not seven years ago? He just wants to collapse the party that produced him,” Mr Ganduje said. “How could (you) care for Nigerians and then propose such a policy as the naira redesign?” 

Condemning the president’s authorising the CBN’s naira swap policy, the Kano governor stated, “Why not seven years ago or after the election? This shows he is not a good leader. If he is, he will not remain calm seeing people setting properties on fire out of frustration.”

The naira scarcity has continued to cripple businesses and social activities across the country, with long queues a daily sight at banks that are open to customers

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