Apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has
expressed sadness over the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, saying
that his demise should be a great lesson to those in power.
Ohanaeze also extended its condolences to the Northern
leadership, the immediate family of the late former President, and to President
Bola Ahmed Tinubu on this solemn occasion.
According to the Pan-Igbo body, as we navigate the
complexities of life and death, the Igbo people should adhere to the customary
norms and traditions that compel us to show respect for the deceased,
irrespective of the legacies they may have left behind.
In a statement issued on Monday by the factional Deputy
President-General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and National Spokesperson,
Thompson Ohia, Ohanaeze stated that the late former President Buhari was a
disciplined soldier and a leader held in reverence by many in the Northern
region.
The organization, however, noted that in the heart of the
Southeast, the memories of his administration from 2015 to 2023 are laced with
anguish and discontent.
Part of the statement read:
“While we extend our forgiveness, it must be unequivocally
stated that the wounds inflicted upon the Igbo people during his tenure have
left an indelible mark that is challenging to erase from our collective memory.
The systematic victimization experienced by the Igbo
populace, often exacerbated by the misuse of state apparatus under Buhari’s
leadership, cannot be overlooked. Questions linger in the minds of many: Why
did the Federal Government remain silent in the face of the horrors perpetrated
by Fulani herdsmen and militias against innocent Igbo communities?
Statements made by Buhari, such as “a dot in the circle” or
“teaching Igbos the language they will understand,” further contributed to a
climate of distrust and alienation. These words, regrettably, cannot be
expunged from our recollections.
Furthermore, the shocking contrast between the treatment of
confirmed Boko Haram terrorists and hardened Northern bandits, who were
released and reintegrated into society against the continued incarceration of
peaceful Biafra agitators underscores a grievous injustice within our national
narrative.
The ongoing insecurity plaguing the Southeast, attributed
directly to the violence encouraged during Buhari’s administration, painted a
grim picture of his legacy. It is a painful reminder of the genocide and ethnic
cleansing that occurred within our communities during his time in office.
We cannot forget that Nnamdi Kanu, a figure of immense
significance to the Igbo people, was arrested not once, but twice, under
Buhari’s regime, and remains unjustly detained to this day. Such actions
reflect a broader pattern of oppression that has persisted and will not be
easily forgotten.
In articulating these poignant truths, we must confront the
stark reality: Nigeria’s socio-economic and security landscape deteriorated
significantly during Buhari’s administration. The economy faltered, security
measures proved ineffective, and critical infrastructure and healthcare systems
collapsed under the weight of negligence. It is disheartening to recognize that
certain factions within Buhari’s administration appeared to advance a
“Fulaniization agenda,” one that prioritized tribal loyalty over merit and
corruption over integrity.
The passing of General Buhari must serve as a moment for
reflection and introspection for those in positions of power. His legacy, as
perceived by many Nigerians, is largely regarded as subpar; this realization
should resonate profoundly with leaders across all levels of governance from
the presidency to the most junior councilor. It is imperative for Nigerian
politicians to grasp that power is ephemeral, and the legacies they leave
behind will ultimately be judged by history and the people they serve.”
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