Sa’adatu Muhammad, one of the granddaughters of Nigeria’s late former President Muhammadu Buhari, has opened up about a unique family tradition and addressed public perceptions of her grandfather’s legacy.
In an interview with BBC Hausa Service, Sa’adatu revealed that Buhari, who passed away recently in a London hospital after a prolonged illness, had a special practice of gifting each newborn grandchild a pair of turtles—a male and a female.
“Whenever a grandchild was born, he would send two turtles, a male and a female, for the child to raise,” she explained.
She shared that she received turtles from him on three separate occasions:
“He gifted me some, and they died. He gave me another set, and they also died. He gave me a third time but said he would not give me any more,” she recounted with a gentle smile.
Reflecting on Buhari’s years in power and the criticisms that followed, Sa’adatu firmly defended his reputation, acknowledging that while he had flaws like any human being, he should never be labelled as corrupt or oppressive.
“Human beings are not infallible. Everyone has lapses. But no matter what you think of him, you can’t call Baba a thief, and you can’t call him a tyrant,” she stated.
She also recalled a video of Buhari apologizing to Nigerians after his presidency, an act she believes touched many and showcased his humility and capacity to forgive.
“This is a great gift, someone who has the right to be angry but chooses to forgive,” she added.
The late President Muhammadu Buhari, known for his strict stance on discipline and anti-corruption, remained a polarizing figure in Nigeria’s political history. However, his family’s reflections continue to shed light on the personal side of the man many simply called “Baba.”
