Nigerian politics has been rocked by deep-rooted corruption and conspiracies over the years. As the presidential baton changes hands from year to year the political instability continues to linger filled with controversies and a dwindling economy. Nigeria is now the world’s poster for “suffering and smiling” as the economic hardship continues to endure, the individuals whom the economic downfall can be traced back to are still continually being appraised. It is agreeable that any president who assumes office will either make or break the country for the next few years of their tenure and the years immediately following the end of their term. In this article, we take a look at the top 3 Nigerian Presidents of all time who can be said to have made more than they broke the country during their reign:

1. Nnamdi Azikwe: In the list of great leaders and presidents in Nigeria, one can never forget to mention the very first official president of Nigeria who served from 1963 to 1966 when Nigeria became a republic. Nnamdi Azikwe’s lifetime achievement and recognition as the driving force behind the nation’s independence and the “father of Nigerian Nationalism” continues to remain rooted in Nigeria’s history from generation to generation.
2. Olusegun Obasanjo: Olusegun Obasanjo became a legend in Nigerian politics when he successfully became the president of Nigeria right out of prison and retained the position longer than any other president. Sure, a third term was unacceptable to sustain the country as a democratic nation, but his tenure brought about progress and leveled changes to the continuity of the country both directly and indirectly. Among his notable accomplishments are; the establishment of the Economic Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) and also strengthened the Code of Conduct Bureau to fight corruption in Nigeria.
3. Umaru Yar Adua: Although late President Umaru Yar Adua’s reign was short-lived by his sudden death in May 2010 a year before the completion of his tenure, he still managed to make notable contributions to the growth and development of Nigeria. Yar’adua who took over from, former President Olusegun Obasanjo on May 29, 2007, was recognized for the Niger-Delta Amnesty Programme which revived hundreds of youths in Nigeria, peacefully disarming those that took arms against the state.

 

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