The African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA) International has mourned former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing his leadership as one marked by discipline  and complexities.

The president of the association, Amanda Demechi-Asagba, said in Lagos on Tuesday that Mr Buhari’s leadership left an indelible mark in Nigeria.

Mr Buhari died on Sunday in a London hospital at 82.

Ms Demechi-Asagba said that Nigeria was mourning a great leader and a man whose leadership was characterised by complexities.

According to her, Mr Buhari was a disciplined leader who fought corruption with conviction, earning both praises and criticisms for his approach.

She said, “President Buhari’s tenure was marked by significant milestones, including his unwavering stance against corruption. His anti-corruption drive, though debated, earned him widespread support and recognition as a leader willing to take on the entrenched interests that had long plagued Nigeria. One of his most significant legacies was the declaration of June 12 Nigeria’s Democracy Day and a national public holiday in honour of the late Chief MKO Abiola, the winner of the annulled 1993 presidential election.

“Buhari did not explicitly declare Abiola president. Instead, the declaration acknowledged the struggles of Nigeria’s democratic past and the importance of democratic principles.’’

Ms Demechi-Asagba, however, noted that Mr Buhari’s presidency was not without controversy.

She recalled a press conference in Germany, where the late president reportedly responded to criticisms from his wife, Ms Aisha, and said that Ms Aisha belonged to his kitchen and his living room as well as  the other room.

According to her, the statement followed Ms Aisha’s public comments about Mr Buhari’s cabinet choices and political direction.

She said that the response sparked widespread criticisms from advocates of gender equality.

“Many viewed it as disrespectful and dismissive of women, but I must acknowledge that Buhari’s leadership style was marked by forthrightness and conviction which earned him devoted following. As Nigeria mourns, we reflect on the complexities of Buhari’s presidency and the impact on the nation’s development. His legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability, transparency, and inclusivity in governance,” she said.

Ms Demechi-Asagba sympathised with Ms Aisha, a former Nigeria’s First Lady, and the entire family of the late former president.

“May your legacy continue to inspire and challenge future generations of leaders and may the Almighty grant Her Excellency, Aisha Buhari. and the entire family the fortitude to bear this irreparable and irreplaceable loss,” she said.

Another Lagos-based lawyer and member of the AWLA, Adaobi Nwatu, described the death of the former president as unfortunate.

According to her, the news of the former president’s death came as a shock to many Nigerians since not much had been heard of him after the expiration of his tenure.

“Death, no matter who is involved, is never glorious. It always comes as a shock, pain and huge blow and often triggers health complications for the deceased loved ones. As a past president who had served in two different eras, he will be remembered for a number of things, especially for his Structural Adjustment Programme during his military rule.

“He was a man who always felt the need to shun corruption and keep the country at a workable pace. I pray Allah grants peaceful repose of his soul and gives his family the strength to endure his departure,” she said. 

(NAN)