The Legacy Of Ore Mekunu: Buhari’s Devotion To The Underprivileged At 82

The Legacy Of Ore Mekunu: Buhari’s Devotion To The Underprivileged At 82

It was March 2020, and the world was on the brink. The coronavirus pandemic had spread rapidly, and the forecasts were grim. Just as the Spanish flu of 1918-1920 claimed millions globally, fears mounted that COVID-19 could devastate populations, with Africa, especially Nigeria,,,,The Legacy Of Ore Mekunu: Buhari’s Devotion To The Underprivileged At 82

highly vulnerable. Leaders worldwide were mobilizing their nations to face the impending crisis.

In Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari was no different, urging Nigerians to protect themselves. The country was to enter a lockdown, as many others had done.

At the time, the Presidential Economic Advisory Council (PEAC), led by Professor Doyin Salami, convened to analyze the economic fallout of the pandemic. Concerns about oil prices, the healthcare system, agriculture, and livelihoods were paramount. The outlook was bleak.

As the meeting wrapped up, President Buhari issued a clear directive to his Finance Minister, Zaynab Shamsuna Ahmed: “No matter what happens, ensure that salaries are paid. Workers might stay at home for months, but they must be paid. Also, pensions must continue. We cannot add more hardship to those who already struggle.”

True to her word, despite the global lockdown lasting months, Nigeria’s civil servants and pensioners were never deprived of their due payments. This was the hallmark of Buhari’s leadership: his unwavering focus on the poor and the vulnerable.

At a time when most people were in survival mode, Buhari kept the ordinary citizen at the heart of his concerns.

The world was on edge, but a moment of levity broke the tension. As Buhari prepared to address the nation about the lockdown, he accidentally let out a loud cough. “Is the thing here already?” he joked with those present. The room erupted in laughter.

The Yoruba term Ore Mekunu—meaning “Friend of the Poor”—aptly describes Buhari. This title was once held by a governor in the Southwest, a man who mingled with common people and sought their affection. Similarly, Buhari’s genuine care for the everyday Nigerian set him apart.

Unlike others who might flaunt power, Buhari never needed to display his authority. He simply made decisions with the welfare of the common people in mind.

When he took office in 2015, Buhari inherited a nation in dire straits. Several states couldn’t pay salaries, and the federal government had to intervene. His first priority was always the people.

One minister suggested trimming the bloated civil service to reduce costs. The proposal was rational given the circumstances. But Buhari, ever compassionate, rejected the idea, saying, “If it lies within my power, I won’t want a single person to lose their job. The country is hard enough as it is.” And so, he chose to preserve jobs, even if it meant facing criticism.

Buhari also increased the minimum wage from N18,000 to N30,000, reflecting his concern for the working class. Even when faced with the politically fraught issue of fuel subsidies, he resisted their removal, knowing how it would harm the poorest Nigerians. It wasn’t until the end of his presidency that all major political players agreed that subsidies must go—but Buhari’s compassion for the common man meant he didn’t want to hasten the inevitable.

Buhari’s connection with the masses was undeniable. His supporters, largely the working class, stood by him despite the challenges and criticisms, helping him secure electoral victories in 2015 and 2019.

Now, nearly two years into retirement, the people still flock to his home, eager to catch a glimpse of the leader they still revere.

Before the 2011 election, Buhari famously wept, unsure of whether he should run again. His tears reflected his deep concern for the plight of the ordinary Nigerians. Ultimately, he returned to the political fray and, in 2015, was swept into power by the people’s overwhelming support.

As he celebrates his 82nd birthday on December 17, 2024, we salute the Ore Mekunu, a man who has always placed the interests of ordinary Nigerians first, even in his retirement, his people continue to cherish and honor him.

• Femi Adesina was Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to President Buhari from 2015 to 2023.

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