Nigeria was flourishing under Buhari — Ex-aviation minister Sirika

Former Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, has strongly defended the administration of late former President Muhammadu Buhari, asserting that it bequeathed a flourishing nation with a robust economy, enhanced security, and a solid foundation for future governments. Speaking on ARISE Television ahead of the first anniversary of Buhari's death, Sirika refuted suggestions that the former president's policies led to widespread hardship.

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I don’t want to get dragged into that debate, but the truth of the matter is that President Buhari had done extremely very well on the economy.

Sirika contended that Buhari's tenure was marked by significant achievements, even amidst considerable challenges. "I don’t want to get dragged into that debate, but the truth of the matter is that President Buhari had done extremely very well on the economy," he stated. While acknowledging he is not an economist, Sirika drew upon his experience within the administration to assert that the country was in a good state regarding economic, social, and political matters during Buhari's term.

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I’ve been in the country, I’ve been in the government, I know so, and I’ve seen that the country at the time was in a good state of both the economy and the social issues within the country and in politics.

When questioned about whether Buhari left sufficient resources and a stable economy for his successor, Sirika affirmed his belief. "I do believe so. I do believe that he left a country that was flourishing," he said. He declined to comment on President Bola Tinubu's current policies, deeming it inappropriate to critique the incumbent administration publicly. However, Sirika drew a parallel between the policies of both Buhari and Tinubu, suggesting they are rooted in the ideology of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

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I do believe so. I do believe that he left a country that was flourishing.

"As an APC person, I do believe that they are not doing things just off the top of their heads to inflict injury on the country," Sirika added, suggesting that both leaders are guided by expert advice and make decisions they deem beneficial for Nigeria. His remarks came as allies and associates prepared to commemorate the first anniversary of Buhari's passing on July 13, 2025.

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I want to say categorically that these policies by President Muhammadu Buhari, I believe, are policies of our party. And the policies that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is pursuing are policies of our party.