Shehu Sani Urges Nigerians Not to Speak Ill of Late President Buhari

Former lawmaker and human rights activist, Shehu Sani, has called on Nigerians to refrain from making negative remarks about the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, who died on Sunday in London.

Buhari’s death has sparked mixed reactions across the country. While many leaders and officials have paid tribute to the former president, others—particularly on social media—have been critical of his time in office.

Activist Omoyele Sowore was among the vocal critics, stating that Buhari “left behind a terrible legacy.” He described the former leader as “a man whose rule, both in uniform and civilian garb, left deep scars on Nigeria’s democratic fabric,” and accused him of presiding over an era marked by “repression, economic hardship, insecurity, and religious bigotry.”

Several Nigerians also expressed disappointment over Buhari dying abroad, citing it as a reflection of the nation’s inadequate healthcare system.

In response to the criticisms, Shehu Sani took to his Facebook page to caution against speaking ill of the deceased.

“We are all mortals awaiting an uncertain fate at uncertain time and uncertain places,” Sani wrote. “A living man is still on trial and cannot judge the dead. Let the sleeping soul rest.”