Radda recalls Buhari’s advice on Tinubu’s subsidy removal, revealing candid conversations and lessons from the late former president in retirement
Radda recalls Buhari’s advice on the controversial fuel subsidy removal, sharing personal conversations with the late former president, Muhammadu Buhari, who died in London on Sunday at the age of 82.
Also read: Buhari’s Body Leaves London for Daura, Katsina Burial
Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State spoke to reporters in Daura at the sidelines of Buhari’s burial preparations, offering insights into the statesman’s reflections during his post-presidency years.
According to Radda, their discussions after Buhari’s exit from power were often intimate, profound, and marked by honesty about national affairs.
“After he left office in 2023, he spent about two years in Daura, Katsina. In that period, I was fortunate to interact with him more frequently, discussing national issues. He was a jovial person who often made me laugh,” Radda said.
Among those discussions was Buhari’s take on President Bola Tinubu’s immediate decision to eliminate petrol subsidies upon assuming office on 29 May 2023.
Radda quoted Buhari as admiring the courage behind the move but admitting it was something he could not achieve while in power.
“Let me use his words,” Radda recalled. “‘I pity Bola for what he is doing. He is a brave man for removing the fuel subsidy. When I was president, whenever I made an attempt to remove the subsidy, a lot of people would give me too many reasons not to do so. But Bola did it immediately. If he had consulted people, he could not have removed the fuel subsidy now.’”
According to Radda, Buhari frequently emphasised integrity and resilience in leadership.
“He always told me that ‘Your Excellency, go and do your best and be honest as a leader. You cannot satisfy Nigerians; only God can do that.’ He said he suffered a lot, but now he sees himself as a free man with a sense of relief.”
Mr Radda said Buhari’s passing leaves a deep void not just in Katsina but across the nation, especially among leaders who benefited from his counsel.
He described Buhari as a patriot whose life reflected discipline, humility, and service.
The late president’s final moments and reflections, as recalled by Radda, offer a window into the mindset of a man who shaped modern Nigeria through both military and civilian rule.
Though controversial at times, Buhari remained devoted to the unity and governance of Nigeria.
President Tinubu’s removal of the fuel subsidy, a decision long debated but previously deferred, was one of his administration’s first and boldest acts.
Defending the move, Tinubu had said Nigeria’s economy needed immediate correction to avert collapse and encourage investment-led growth.
As Radda recalls Buhari advice during this pivotal economic shift, it becomes clear that even in retirement, the former leader remained deeply engaged with national policy and the burdens of leadership.
Also read: National Assembly Suspends Sessions Over Buhari’s Death
His death, Radda said, would be felt not only in Katsina but in Nigeria’s collective political memory.
