The Alaigbo Development Foundation (ADF) and the Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL) have reacted to the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing his tenure as one that left the Igbo people deeply marginalised and politically isolated.
While both groups offered condolences over his death, they were unequivocal in their assessment of Buhari’s legacy, particularly in relation to his treatment of the South East.
Speaking on behalf of the ADF, its Secretary-General, Chief Abia Onyike, said the late president’s relationship with the Igbo nation was marked by exclusion and hostility.
“His relationship with the Igbo nation was very negative,” Onyike said. “Buhari was one of the Northern hardliners whose hatred for Ndigbo was very unnecessary. As a civilian president elected in 2015, his anti-Igbo position became acidic.”
Onyike argued that Buhari’s actions in office—especially his perceived ethnic bias—fueled renewed agitation for self-determination among Igbo youths.
“His extremist anti-Igbo posturing led the Igbo youths to embark on a renewed agitation for Igbo self-determination struggle,” he said. “He was perceived as a leader who used the state apparatus to shield his Fulani brothers who declared war against other ethnic nationalities with Fulani herdsmen and the violence associated with their impunity.”
He added that by the time Buhari left office in 2023, “his reputation degenerated terribly as he was perceived as a Fulani irredentist and separatist.”
Despite the bitterness left in the wake of his administration, Onyike emphasized that the Igbo nation harbours no grudge.
“The Igbo Nation has no time to keep malice against anybody. Our struggle for self-determination in the Nigerian federation is a legitimate democratic struggle,” he stated.
In a similar tone, COSEYL, the apex socio-political youth group in the South East, said Buhari’s administration will be remembered by many Igbos as one of neglect and exclusion.
President General of COSEYL, Comrade Goodluck Ibem, said the Buhari presidency left Nigeria economically battered and politically divided, with the South East suffering the worst of it.
“Many Nigerians will remember his administration for its struggles in economic management, which contributed to widespread hardship and disillusionment among the populace,” Ibem said.
He stressed that the South East was largely sidelined during Buhari’s time in office.
“Our region was particularly marginalised during his presidency. The lack of representation from the South East in key federal appointments, including the service chiefs, stands as a testament to the exclusionary practices that characterized his administration,” he said.
Ibem urged current and future leaders to learn from the mistakes of the past and embrace inclusiveness, equity, and justice.
“It is our collective responsibility to ensure that the lessons learned from this era do not fade with the passing of one individual,” he added. “COSEYL remains committed to advocating for the rights and representation of the South East in all spheres of national life.”
While acknowledging Buhari’s death, both groups called for a future Nigeria that is fair, just, and reflective of the country’s diversity.
- Source: By Advocate News Nigeria
