Buhari’s Golden Rule: Ex-President Warned Me Never To Touch What Isn’t Mine – Daughter Reveals

Hadiza Muhammadu Buhari, affectionately called Nana, has delivered a heartfelt tribute to her late father, former President Muhammadu Buhari, honoring the values, discipline, and quiet strength he instilled in his children from an early age.

Speaking in an interview with BBC Hausa following Buhari’s passing on Sunday at a London clinic after a prolonged illness, Hadiza remembered her father as “a man of principle, patience, and dignified calm,” whose guidance shaped her life.

Recalling a moment from childhood, Hadiza shared a vivid lesson in integrity. “He once gave me money to buy textbooks. After the purchase, I used the leftover change to buy sweets. When I returned it to him, he said, ‘Nana, that’s not right. If you’re sent to buy something, return the change. If they decide to give it to you, accept it — but never take what isn’t yours.’”

Known to his family as “Madam Nana,” Buhari, despite his reserved nature, enjoyed close, joyful interactions with his children. “We used to joke and laugh. He didn’t like noise, and even when insulted, he never responded with anger — he would just look at you calmly,” she said.

Hadiza expressed deep sorrow over his death, comparing the pain to the grief she felt when their mother died two decades ago. “His death broke my heart, just as our mother’s did 20 years ago,” she said.

She highlighted her father’s unique way of bonding with each child and grandchild, often giving them special nicknames. “He had a name for everyone — there was Mama, and there was Babban Mutum,” she said, adding that his affection extended warmly to other family members and relatives.

Buhari also had a gentle fondness for animals, particularly his cattle, turtles, and peacocks.

Hadiza recalled one of her final conversations with her father during his treatment in London. “When he was feeling better, I told him I was heading back to Nigeria. He asked, ‘Where are you going?’ I replied, ‘To Nigeria,’ and he said, ‘Then go and greet Nigerians for me.’”