As tributes continue to pour in following the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, Nigerian rapper and activist Eedris Abdulkareem has issued a blunt wake-up call to politicians across the country:
"If you want sympathy in death, show empathy while you're alive."
Buhari, who reportedly passed away on Sunday afternoon at a UK-based clinic after a quiet battle with leukaemia, has left the nation divided. While many political allies eulogize him as a patriot and nationalist, a large section of the public is revisiting his years in power with sharp criticism and painful recollections.
The conversation around his legacy has sparked deep emotions online, with citizens pouring out years of frustration, anger, and disillusionment over the late president’s tenure.
Among those reacting strongly is Eedris Abdulkareem, known for his fearless voice and commitment to social justice. Taking to Instagram on Monday evening, the veteran musician shared a pointed message:
“If you want sympathy in death, then you must show empathy when alive. Your legacies after life are consequences of your deeds. Innalilahi wa innalilahi raji’un.”
His words struck a chord, especially among Nigerians who lived through Buhari’s controversial time in office from the #EndSARS protests, to economic hardships, and mounting insecurity.
Former senator Shehu Sani also weighed in, urging the public to show compassion:
“A living man is still on trial and cannot judge the dead. Let the sleeping soul rest.”
But many Nigerians are refusing to stay silent, arguing that Buhari’s policies left scars that cannot be easily forgotten.
