Who Is Now Nigeria President
Nigeria, known for its oil reserves and diverse culture, is one of the most populous countries in Africa. It has a presidential system of government, with the president serving as both the head of state and the head of government. In this article, we will discuss the current president of Nigeria, his background, and his role in the country's politics.
The Background of Nigeria's Political System
Before we delve into the current president of Nigeria, it is essential to understand the background of Nigeria's political system. Nigeria gained independence from British colonial rule on October 1, 1960. The country has since adopted a democratic system of government, with a president at the helm of affairs. The president is elected by the people every four years and can only serve for a maximum of two terms.
Buhari's Early Life and Political Career
Muhammadu Buhari is the current president of Nigeria. He was born on December 17, 1942, in Daura, a small town in Katsina State, Northern Nigeria. Buhari joined the Nigerian Army in 1961 and rose through the ranks to become a Major General in 1983. He was appointed the Head of State of Nigeria on December 31, 1983, after a military coup that overthrew the democratically elected government of Shehu Shagari.
Buhari's reign as the Head of State was known for its strictness and anticorruption stance. He was overthrown on August 27, 1985, in another military coup led by Ibrahim Babangida. Buhari's involvement in politics did not end with his ousting as Head of State. He joined the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) in 2003 and contested for the presidency but lost to Olusegun Obasanjo.
Buhari's Presidential Candidacy in 2015
In 2015, Buhari ran for the presidency under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He contested against incumbent president, Goodluck Jonathan, and won the election by a wide margin, becoming the first opposition candidate to win a presidential election in Nigeria. Buhari's victory was seen as a significant shift in Nigerian politics, as it signaled the end of the ruling party's dominance.
Buhari's Policies and Achievements as President
Buhari's administration has been focused on tackling corruption, improving the economy, and combating terrorism. His government has recovered billions of dollars in stolen public funds and put in place measures to prevent further embezzlement. Buhari has also implemented policies aimed at diversifying the economy and reducing Nigeria's dependence on oil.
In the fight against terrorism, Buhari has made significant progress. His administration has successfully liberated areas that were previously under the control of Boko Haram, a terrorist group that has caused havoc in Northern Nigeria for several years.
Buhari's Health Challenges
Buhari's health has been a subject of concern during his presidency. In 2017, he spent a significant amount of time in London receiving medical treatment for an undisclosed illness. His long absence from Nigeria sparked rumors of his death, but he returned to the country after several months.
In 2019, Buhari traveled to London again for medical treatment, and this time, his absence was not as long as the previous one. He handed over power to his vice president, Yemi Osinbajo, during his absence.
Buhari's Candidacy for the 2019 Presidential Election
In 2019, Buhari ran for reelection under the platform of the APC. He contested against former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, and won the election, securing a second term in office.
Buhari's Current Administration
Buhari's current administration has been focused on improving infrastructure, particularly in the areas of transportation and power. The government has initiated several projects aimed at improving the country's road networks and power supply.
Buhari's government has also been committed to improving education in Nigeria. The government has implemented policies aimed at improving the quality of education in the country, particularly in the areas of science and technology.
Final Thoughts
Muhammadu Buhari is the current president of Nigeria. His administration has been focused on tackling corruption, improving the economy, and combating terrorism. Buhari's presidency has been characterized by his strict stance on corruption, which has earned him both praise and criticism. Despite his health challenges, Buhari has been able to steer the affairs of Nigeria and has made progress in several areas.
