Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo sociocultural organisation, says the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari should serve as a lesson to Nigerian leaders on the importance of building legacies rooted in justice and equity.
In a statement issued on Monday and jointly signed by Okechukwu Isiguzoro, deputy president-general, and Thompson Ohia, national spokesman, the group offered condolences to Buhari’s family, northern leaders and President Bola Tinubu.
Ohanaeze said while Igbo tradition demands respect for the dead, the late president’s legacy in the south-east is remembered with pain.
Part of the statement read: “General Muhammadu Buhari was a disciplined soldier and a leader held in reverence by many in the Northern region.
“However, in the heart of the southeast, the memories of his administration from 2015 to 2023 are laced with anguish and discontent.”
“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 group accused Buhari’s administration of systemic victimisation of the Igbo, saying state machinery was used to suppress the region.
They questioned the silence of the federal government over attacks by Fulani herdsmen and militias against communities in the southeast.
The group said: “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.”
They also criticised what they described as a double standard in the treatment of terrorists and separatist agitators.
“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.”
They noted that insecurity in the southeast worsened during Buhari’s time in office, which they said reflected “a grim picture of his legacy.”
The continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), was cited as evidence of a broader pattern of marginalisation.
“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,” they said.
The group also condemned the deterioration of Nigeria’s socio-economic and security situation under Buhari’s watch.
“The economy faltered, security measures proved ineffective, and critical infrastructure and healthcare systems collapsed under the weight of negligence,” they said.
They alleged that certain elements within Buhari’s administration pushed a “Fulaniisation agenda” that prioritised tribal loyalty over national unity.
Ohanaeze said Buhari’s passing should prompt sober reflection among current political leaders.
“His legacy, as perceived by many Nigerians, is largely regarded as subpar; this realization should resonate profoundly with leaders across all levels of governance.
“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,” the statement noted.
The group, however, prayed for the repose of Buhari’s soul and urged Nigerian leaders to embrace fairness and justice moving forward.
“Despite the past grievances, the Igbo people embody a spirit of resilience and forgiveness.
“May this moment inspire current and future leaders to prioritise justice, equity, and the well-being of every Nigerian,” the statement concluded.
