Major General Muhammadu Buhari served as Nigeria’s military head of state from 31 December 1983 until 27 August 1985. His administration, alongside Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters, Major General Tunde Idiagbon, implemented strict measures aimed at restoring discipline, addressing economic difficulties, and combating corruption. This article presents a verified account of Buhari’s tenure, separating confirmed historical events from unverified interpretations.
The 1983 Coup and Ascension to Power
By late 1983, Nigeria’s civilian Second Republic, led by President Shehu Shagari, faced serious economic challenges, including falling oil revenues and rising government expenditure. Allegations of corruption and electoral malpractice further eroded confidence in the civilian government.
On 31 December 1983, Major General Muhammadu Buhari, then General Officer Commanding the 3rd Armoured Division, led a military coup that removed President Shagari. The coup was executed without widespread military conflict. Initial public reaction was mixed, with some segments expressing relief over perceived corruption, while others were uncertain about military intervention in politics.
The War Against Indiscipline (WAI)
In March 1984, Buhari’s administration launched the War Against Indiscipline (WAI), operationally led by Major General Tunde Idiagbon. WAI aimed to foster national discipline, improve public order, and promote accountability. Key components included:
- Encouraging orderly conduct in public spaces, such as queuing.
- Promoting sanitation and civic responsibility.
- Reducing petty corruption and enforcing workplace discipline.
Enforcement was carried out primarily by military, paramilitary, and police units. While the programme produced some compliance, methods involving public shaming and strict military oversight drew criticism. Contrary to earlier claims, broad citizen enforcement was limited.
Economic Policies and Austerity Measures
Buhari inherited an economy under strain from declining oil prices, foreign debt, and budget deficits. His government implemented several austerity measures, including:
- Reductions in government expenditure and salary freezes for public servants.
- Import restrictions to promote local production.
- Tight control on foreign borrowing.
These policies stabilised some macroeconomic indicators but caused hardship for many Nigerians, particularly urban workers and traders. Public dissatisfaction increased due to rising living costs and limited economic relief.
Governance, Civil Liberties, and Human Rights
The Buhari administration exercised a strict military hierarchy and centralised authority. Civil liberties were curtailed:
- Press freedom was restricted; newspapers critical of the government faced closures.
- Political opposition was suppressed, and political gatherings were monitored.
- Military tribunals tried individuals accused of corruption or abuse of office, with limited legal protections.
While justified by the regime as necessary for order and anti-corruption enforcement, these measures drew domestic and international criticism.
Overthrow and Detention
On 27 August 1985, Major General Ibrahim Babangida, then Chief of Army Staff, led a coup that removed Buhari from power. Babangida cited the need for different policy approaches to address economic challenges, and dissatisfaction among some military officers contributed to the coup. Buhari was detained until 1988.
Legacy and Historical Significance
Despite its brevity, Buhari’s 1983–1985 administration influenced Nigeria’s political and economic landscape:
- WAI is remembered as a highly disciplined campaign that addressed civic behaviour but relied heavily on military enforcement.
- Economic austerity set precedents for future administrations.
- The administration’s anti-corruption stance became a reference point in subsequent governance debates.
Buhari’s tenure illustrates the complexities of military governance: enforcing order and fiscal discipline while limiting political freedoms. It provides essential context for understanding Nigeria’s military-civil relations and post-independence political development.
Author’s Note
Analyzing Buhari’s first military regime highlights the challenges of governance under a military framework. Initiatives like WAI and austerity measures show the emphasis on discipline and fiscal responsibility, yet the approach revealed tensions between authority, civil liberties, and public welfare. Studying this period provides insight into Nigeria’s political evolution and the role of military leadership in shaping national policies.
References
Encyclopedia Britannica. “Muhammadu Buhari.” Retrieved from: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Muhammadu-Buhari
Ojo, E. O. Nigeria’s Military in Politics: 1983–1985. Ibadan: Spectrum Books, 1990.
Sklar, Richard L. Military Politics in Nigeria: The Buhari-Idiagbon Era. Princeton University Press, 1989.
