Buhari Was A Divisive Leader, Doesn’t Deserve Our Tears — ADF, COSEYL

Alaigbo Development Foundation, ADF, and the Coalition of South East Youth Leaders, COSEYL, have described late President Muhammadu Buhari as a divisive and sectional leader who marginalised Ndigbo and politically isolated them. They therefore, noted that Buhari did not deserve their tears, even as they offered condolences over his death.

The groups were unequivocal in their assessment of Buhari’s legacy, particularly in relation to his treatment of the South East.

The Secretary General of ADF, Chief Abia Onyike who spoke said the late president’s relationship with the Igbo nation was marked by exclusion and hostility.

His words, "His relationship with the Igbo nation was very negative. 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.

“His extremist anti-Igbo posturing led the Igbo youths to embark on a renewed agitation for Igbo self-determination struggle.

“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.

“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.” 

Onyike further noted that by the time Buhari left office in 2023, “his reputation had degenerated terribly as he was perceived as a Fulani irredentist and separatist.”

Onyike, however, stressed that despite the bitterness left in the wake of his administration, the Igbo nation harboured no grudge against anybody and asked Gob to bless the departed leader's soul.

Similarly, COSEYL, which is the apex sociopolitical youth group in the South East, said Buhari’s administration would be remembered by the Igbo as one of neglect and exclusion.

President General of COSEYL, Goodluck Ibem, said the Buhari presidency left Nigeria economically battered and politically divided, with the South East suffering the worst of it.

According to Ibem, “Many Nigerians will remember his administration for its struggles in economic management, which contributed to widespread hardship and disillusionment among the populace.” 

Ibem further noted that the South East was largely sidelined during Buhari’s regime of hatred.

“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 added, and urged current and future leaders to learn from the mistakes of the past by embracing 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 further added, pointing out that, “COSEYL remains committed to advocating for the rights and representation of the South East in all spheres of national life.”