The Digest:
Fatima Buhari has explained that her father, former President Muhammadu Buhari, found it impossible to detach from his nephew Mamman Daura due to unbreakable blood ties, shared history, and a profound sense of loyalty, despite widespread concerns over Daura's influence in government.
Key Points:
- Fatima Buhari revealed her father and Mamman Daura shared the same grandmother, making Daura "not just a political ally but close family."
- She described a relationship where "affection and resentment coexisted," and Buhari was aware of complaints but struggled to sever it.
- Daura had unique access, being allowed to see Buhari regularly during his detention after the 1985 coup, while family members were barred.
- Fatima said the bond was rooted in "obligations of kinship, decades-old habits, gratitude, and Buhari’s deep sense of loyalty."
- She acknowledged a network grew around this kinship that often "took advantage of Buhari’s reluctance to cause hurt, embarrassment, or public disgrace."
- Buhari's personality, softened by age and faith, made him empathetic and averse to cutting people off, preferring private corrections.
- Even with evidence of wrongdoing, Buhari preferred to "correct quietly, warn privately and avoid public sackings."
Sources: Leadership Newspaper / Excerpts from "From Soldier to Statesman: The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari"
