In his farewell address on May 28, 2023, former President Muhammadu Buhari tendered an apology to Nigerians for the adverse effects of his economic policies, acknowledging that they caused temporary suffering for many citizens. Buhari explained that the difficult choices were made for the overall good of the country, aiming to revamp the economy and make it more resilient.¹
The President's Words
"We made some difficult choices, most of which yielded the desired results. Some of the measures led to temporary pain and suffering for which I sincerely apologize to my fellow countrymen, but the measures were taken for the overall good of the country," Buhari said in his national broadcast.²
Context of the Apology
This apology came as Buhari prepared to hand over power to President-elect Bola Tinubu, reflecting on his eight-year tenure and the challenges faced by Nigerians during his administration. The President emphasized that his intention was never to deliberately inflict pain and anguish on anyone, but rather to make tough decisions for the nation's benefit.³
Reaction and Significance
Buhari's apology highlights the complexities of governance and the need for leaders to acknowledge the impact of their policies on citizens. As the nation bid farewell to his administration, the apology served as a gesture of goodwill and a recognition of the difficulties faced by many Nigerians during his tenure.⁴
Key Points from Buhari's Farewell Address
- *Acknowledgment of Pain*: Buhari acknowledged that his policies caused temporary pain and suffering for some Nigerians.
- *Economic Resilience*: He highlighted that the Nigerian economy has become more resilient due to the various strategies implemented during his administration.
- *Call for Forgiveness*: The President asked Nigerians who felt hurt by his policies to pardon him, demonstrating a sense of humility and accountability.⁵
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