- Adesina described Buhari as “Ore Mekunu”, a Yoruba phrase meaning “friend of the poor”
Former Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, Femi Adesina, has paid tribute to his former principal on his 82nd birthday, describing him as a “friend of the masses”.
According to Adesina, Buhari’s policies and decisions were focused on improving the lives of Nigerians, particularly the poor. He cited the ex-president’s decision not to remove fuel subsidies as a key example of this commitment.
Adesina described Buhari as “Ore Mekunu”, a Yoruba phrase meaning “friend of the poor”, adding that he remains popular even in retirement. The former presidential aide noted that Buhari refused to take decisions that would further impoverish the masses, even when it meant going against the interests of corrupt leaders.
Buhari’s decision to maintain fuel subsidies, despite knowing it was a “money-guzzling monster”, was a key example of his pro-poor policies, Adesina said. He quoted Buhari as arguing that ordinary people did not benefit from high oil prices, so they should not bear the brunt of falling prices.
Adesina acknowledged that Buhari may have shared the conviction to remove subsidies, but ultimately chose not to do so to avoid throwing society into chaos. Even in retirement, Adesina said, Buhari remains popular due to his disposition to the poor.