Former member of the House of Representatives, Dachung Bagos, has claimed that several of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari’s appointees betrayed the trust placed in them, which he believes contributed to a deepening of corruption during Buhari’s administration.
Speaking on Politics Today on Channels Television shortly after Buhari was buried in Daura, Katsina State on Tuesday, Bagos remarked:
“President Buhari selected individuals whom he believed would help him steer the government. But as we now see, some of those trusted figures are currently being investigated for corruption-related offences.”
He continued:
“This undermines the anti-corruption stance Buhari was known for. Despite introducing the Treasury Single Account to promote transparency, corruption worsened because those entrusted with authority abused that trust.”
Bagos criticised Buhari’s lack of oversight in monitoring his appointees, saying:
“Monitoring and evaluating his appointees proved to be a significant challenge. He gave them power in good faith, but that faith was betrayed.”
‘Did His Best, But It Wasn’t Enough’
Bagos acknowledged Buhari’s reputation for integrity but argued that his government fell short on key national issues, especially insecurity.
“Buhari was widely seen as a man of integrity. But insecurity plagued his time in office. While I believe he tried his best, the outcome wasn’t good enough—security issues only got worse,” he said.
He also commented on the mixed reactions surrounding Buhari’s legacy, particularly among younger Nigerians.
“One clear achievement young people will remember is the Not Too Young To Run bill, which gave youth greater access to political office,” he noted.
Buhari Laid to Rest in Daura
Former President Muhammadu Buhari was buried on Tuesday evening in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State.
His body, flown into Katsina earlier in the day, was received by President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, First Lady Remi Tinubu, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, and former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.
Buhari, who served as Nigeria’s military leader from 1984 to 1985 and later as a civilian president from 2015 to 2023, died in a London hospital on Sunday at the age of 82.
He was Nigeria’s second-longest-serving leader. A solemn crowd of mourners watched as his body was lowered into the ground at 5:50 p.m., following prayers and a brief but dignified ceremony.