Oba Olu Falae, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the Olu of Ilu-Abo in Ondo State, has acknowledged the efforts of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari to tackle corruption and improve Nigeria, though he questioned the effectiveness of the methods used.
In a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday, Falae said Buhari, who died on Sunday in London at the age of 82, had good intentions for the country’s development.
“He tried to make Nigeria great by eliminating corruption from society. His intentions were commendable, but in my opinion, the strategy to achieve them could have been more effective,” Falae explained.
Falae, who was also a former Minister of Finance and presidential candidate in 1999, credited Buhari with showing determination and courage by making anti-corruption a central focus of his government, both as a military ruler and later as an elected president.
He emphasised that total elimination of corruption might not be possible but believed it could be reduced significantly if leaders lived by example. “If leaders commit to honesty, transparency and integrity, we will see real change,” he added.
Falae noted that while many were arrested and prosecuted during Buhari’s tenure, few convictions were ultimately achieved, highlighting a potential gap in the approach.
In a separate tribute, Dr Olu Agunloye, former Minister of Power, said Buhari had lived a long life of service to the nation.
“He passed away at a ripe age, having done his best for Nigeria,” Agunloye said. He called on Nigerians to work towards a fairer society built on social justice, where every citizen is treated equally, regardless of religion, ethnicity, or social status.
