By Yoruba Emancipation Union Worldwide

Introduction and assessment of Buhari, as a military head of state

Prompted by the pains Nigerians have experienced under the political malevolence of General Muhammadu Buhari for eleven (11) years, and the usual traditional culture when separation or time of parting by two parties arrive, there is time for everything, we decided to put this message across to the world as our candid, but unbiased farewell speech.

On December 31^st 1983, Nigerians woke up in the early morning to the martial music of the military, and the repeated announcements of the overthrow of the democratically elected government of Alhaji Aliyu Shehu Shagari, and the suspension of all the paraphernalia of democratic government in Nigeria; a coup had happened by the Nigeria military, and General Muhammadu Buhari was installed as Head of State.

There came the undemocratic military government of Muhammadu Buhari, who ruled the nation with iron fists, under the instrumentality of Decrees, the said government lasted for about three years full of tales of tyranny, high-handedness, intolerance and arrogant display of “khaki-cracy” in governance.Perhaps the most unwelcome cruelty of the then Buhari government was Public Officers Protection Against False Accusation law, popularly known as ‘Decree 4’ in 1984. The infamous Decree No. 4, which was hurriedly drafted on March 29, 1984, was the most dreaded and invariably the most repressive press law ever enacted in the history of Nigeria. It was promulgated during the military regime of Major General Buhari who, at the time, did not take kindly to press criticisms.

Decree 4 which was backdated, to punish suspected persons under the obnoxious military law. Under the said Decree, there was no room for appeal. Once suspected, the victims suffer untold hardships. Under this Buhari’s Decree 4, many journalists notably Tunde Thompson and Nduka Iraboh, both of Guardian Newspaper were jailed on July 4, 1984 and many newspaper houses were hammered, unjustly.

Another very painful and harsh feature of the Buhari government was the harvest of unjust extra judicial killings. In spite of appeals from well-meaning Nigerians and foreign dignitaries, Bernard Ogedegbe (29), Bartholomew Owoh (26) and Lawal Ojuolape (30) were tied to the stake and executed by firing squad at Kirikiri prison, Lagos in 1984 for drug peddling, under a backdated law that drew the ire of the all-reasonable persons, across the globe.

There were demonstrated double standards, in the administration of justice. Buhari is world famous for his uncanny adoption of particularistic instead of universalistic parameters in the handling of sensitive issues; while some politicians from South Western Nigeria were arraigned before Military Tribunals, and intentionally jailed for as many as 100 years, a sad development which led to the death of Professor Ambrose Folorunsho Ali, former governor of old Bendel State and Olabisi Onabanjo of Ogun state, many politicians from the Northern Nigeria, were merely kept under house arrests, and later released. We have not forgotten the melodramatic saga of Alhaj Barkin Zuwo, the then Governor of Kano State in whose custody a whopping sum of money was found, and who arrogantly declared “government money in government house, what’s wrong with that?” he was released whilst innocent governors of different tribes, paid the supreme price, by way of death.

The Gestapo style of the government manifested itself in what was described as "The strange cargo of Stanstead." One of the politicians, Umaru Dikko, was captured in his apartment in London by contracted Israeli Mossad Agents, he was sedated and kept in a crate to be freighted to the government of Buhari, in Lagos. But the operation was busted due to the alarm raised by secretary to Dikko. The political upheaval and diplomatic fireworks that ensued, was probably one of the reasons why Britain supported the overthrow of the Buhari regime.

The economy was badly managed. The Naira redesign policy was executed harshly without human face, nor milk of human kindness; and while majority of Nigerians were groaning under the antipeople policies, executed under Buhari in trying to change their old hard-earned monies into new ones, the Emir of Gwandu imported into the country 53 suitcases reportedly stuffed with money, the ADC to Buhari in charge of the suitcases personally “cleared” them into a waiting military truck loaded with heavily armed soldiers, casting overboard the usual Customs clearance, under the watchful eagle eyes of “Mr. Integrity, Buhari.”

The second coming of Buhari as civilian president

The second coming to the political scene of Nigeria by Muhammadu Buhari was precipitated by the misrule of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), for 16 years. The party had become corruption syndicate. A situation where over USD 16 billion was misappropriated within 4 years under the pretense of privatization and provision of electricity to Nigerians, under the regime of “infallible and Mr. know it all” General Olusegun Obasanjo. But nothing was achieved. The stories were the same in virtually all the sectors of the Nigeria economy. People became totally disenchanted with PDP's administration. So, when General Muhammadu Buhari was brought up as the presidential candidate of All Progressive Congress (APC) in 2014, by an amalgam of political strange bedfellows, Nigerians, like the proverbial drowning man clawing at available straw, unwittingly voted en masse for him, without taking into account Buhari’s political antecedents.

The importation of terrorists into Nigeria for the 2015 elections

It is necessary at this juncture to state in categorical terms that, Buhari had contested for the Nigeria’s highest political office three (3) times and he failed woefully, a colossal failure generally known in Nigeria’s parlance as “olule.” Unbeknown to Nigerians that Buhari was very desperate to occupy Aso Rock, hook or crook, he imported terrorists from neighboring countries like Sierra Leone, Mali, Senegal, Niger and Chad into Nigeria for election purpose in 2015, to cause instability and discredit the regime of Jonathan Goodluck, unfortunately, after winning the presidential election, the imported terrorists refused to go back to their countries. This startling revelation was disclosed to press by a chieftain of APC Abubakar Kawu Baraje, at Ilorin as part of activities to mark his 70th birthday anniversary. That singular wicked act of importing terrorists, is the genesis of unending and unabated terrorism in Nigeria.

The implementation of Fulanirisation agenda

On assumption of office, the promised amendment of the Unitary Constitution of Nigeria which was one of the most important reasons why most progressive elements voted for him and his APC was untouched. The party promised to amend the Constitution to reflect the Federal character of Nigeria of ethnic plurality and nationalities. This was not only ignored but the administration took steps to consolidate the said Unitary Constitution by introducing the Fulani word for human settlement, which means "rural grazing area" as RUGA - an attempt to revive colonial-era grazing routes and Water Resources Bills to confiscate indegenous peoples' lands especially in Middle Belt and Southern parts of Nigeria for Fulani cattle owners, because Muhammadu Buhari is of Fulani extraction, from Niger Republic.

Buhari apparently and cleverly supported Fulani marauders arming them with minimum of nothing less than AK47 assault rifles and other forms of sophisticated weapons to the bandits who unleashed different kinds of criminalities on Nigerians. The killings of native land owners in Benue, Taraba and Plateau states left thousands dead and their lands were taken over by the Fulanis. Gradually, this mayhem extended like bush fire in a dry season downwards to states like Niger, Oyo, Osun, Kwara, Kogi, Ondo and Ekiti, whereof it is on record that in Yoruba land alone, Buhari’s terrorists has over 5000 cells habouring very dangerous criminals parading themselves as cattle keepers, when in fact their real intentions were that of killings, kidnappings for ransom, rapping, destructions of farms and produce by allowing cattle to feed on already harvested farm produce, as well as, grazing on growing plants; the ultimate intention of the terrorists as directed by their sponsors, was to take over lands from owners who had been in occupation for time immemorial. In all these unprecedented abysmal and anomalous situation, Muhammadu Buhari remained absolutely quiet and deafeningly silent, because he remains the kingpin and arrowhead of the criminal mayhem, visited on Nigerians.

The above-described situation extended then down to South Eastern states and to Niger Delta, but the case of South East which are predominantly Igbos, was the saddest because Igbos formed the Eastern Security Network (ESN) which openly confronted Buhari and his terror machinery, thousands were exterminated for that act bravery, and many more are still being hunted, and killed like fowls.

Bye and large, under Buhari, we have witnessed so far in Nigeria, since the civil war, the bloodiest administration in the country. From the blood soaked Plateau State and the innocents lives shed before their appointed time in Benue State, the defenceless Nigerians mowed down by religious fanatics of Boko-haram and their allied affiliates, mostly in the North Eastern Nigeria, the gruesome bloodletting of Fulani marauders and bandits all over the farmlands of our country, the blood of those who tried to resist this audaciously guided violence and mass killings, such as, Adigun and Alfa, killed by state operatives on 1^st July 2021 in the dead of the night, to cover the heinous criminalities, the blood continues to flow.

The Owo church massacre definitely deserves mention, it was a sad day when over 55 Christian worshippers were killed right in the church in cold blood, as well as, maiming of over a hundred persons in one fell swoop, this is a typical feature of barbaric brigandage norm presided over by Buhari all over Nigeria, rather than the exception. It was a harvest of blood. May Almighty God help us never to experience Buhari’s tyrannical rule again. It staggers our imagination and defies decent human logic.

The appointments of Fulanis to key political positions in Nigeria

Buhari’s appointments to official positions in government, were essentially sectional and lopsided in favour of his Fulani ethnic group. All the top leadership positions in the Army, Navy, Air force, The Police, Customs and Immigration Services etc., were exclusively reserved for the Fulanis; in NNPC alone, it is a notorious fact that the first 20 top management members, were deliberately allocated to the Fulanis, the possession of competence, requisite qualifications and experience are totally immaterial, the only eligibility to flaunt before a position can be given, is to be a Fulani. This further reduced efficiency, effectiveness and capabilities of Buhari government to deliver the promised goodies to Nigerians. For the consecutive last four years, NNPC did not remit one Naira as profit, to the Federation account, yet all workers and management members of NNPC were paid salaries, yet, Buhari remained the Minister of Petroleum.

Tribal bigotry and sentiments replaced nationalism and patriotism so much so that Nigeria became more divided, than he met the nation in 2015, Fulanis are first class citizens and untouchables no matter how heinous the crimes they may commit. To a very large extent, most Nigerians saw and related with him more as Fulani president. He surrounded himself with his own kith and kins thereby turning the Presidency of Nigeria to Fulani clannish agenda. They have his ears in every sensitive state matter and this led to devaluation and lack of effectiveness, in policy formulation and executions.

More often times than not, Nigerians were forced to listen to divergent cacophony of information and misinformation from different organs of the same Buhari government; of course, the unfortunate development left Nigerians confused, bewildered and stranded.

The fight against corruption under Buhari regime: a ruse

The much-touted fight against corruption was wholesomely unsuccessful, at best, it was a veritable tool of persecuting opponents and perceived enemies. At times, it is used as blackmailing and oppressive curtailments methodologies. While openly visible and well-known corrupt government officials work freely, perceived enemies of the regime with the least corruption records, are hounded and vilified, by the operatives of government.

To underscore the fact that Buhari’s fight against corruption is nothing but a smokescreen, he released politicians who were duly tried and found guilty, of gross corrupt practices.

It is sad to note that, not too long ago, our legally earned money has been confiscated by the government through a Naira Policy Redesign. This ill-conceived and badly implemented policy, has brought untold sufferings, hardships, riots, destructions of lives and properties, all over Nigeria.

Buhari’s administration: an era of deceit, broken promises and failure

Buhari promised Nigerians palatable fishes, instead, he gave us deadly snakes and scorpions…he promised us bread and cake, instead, he gave us stones...

1. He promised us modern state of technological hospitals, he never fulfilled that promise, instead the greater part of his eight-year tenure as President were spent at various hospitals abroad, and as if that were not enough, he turned our hospitals into mere consulting clinics…

2. Buhari promised that our four (4) refineries shall be repaired and function optimally, till date, that promise remains a chimerical hope, instead, he used Nigeria’s resources to build refinery in Niger Republic, his ancestral home from where Nigeria now source refined petroleum.

Below is a summary of the list, compiled by Hon. Celestine Eronmosele of Mandate Protection Vanguard (MPV), edited here for brevity and quick comprehension.

3. Buhari promised Nigerians a public declaration of his assets and liabilities, he never did, till he left office on 29^th May 2023

4. He also promised a National Gender Policy offering 35% of Federal Government appointments to women, he never did so.

5. Buhari promised the creation of 3 (three) million jobs per year, he reneged on that and instead created unprecedented massive unemployment rate ever, in Nigeria.

6. Steel production is the heart of industrialization, Buhari promised the revival of Ajaokuta Steel Company, he failed totally.

7. He promised the creation of Social Welfare Program, to pay minimum of N5000 to poorest and vulnerable citizens, he failed irreversibly.

8. Buhari also promised to build one of the fastest-growing emerging economies in the world, with a real GDP growth of 10% per year, he failed woefully and instead ruined Nigeria’s economy.

9. Buhari promised us uninterrupted supply of electricity, he failed absolutely and instead plunged Nigeria and Nigerians into darkness, thereby generating a negative multiplier effect, across all sectors of the economy.

10. He promised empowerment scheme, to employ 740,000 graduates throughout Nigeria including FCT Abuja, he failed totally and instead, enveloped Nigeria and Nigerians with unprecedented unemployment and poverty, never seen in the land.

11. He also promised NYSC members payment of allowances after discharge for 12 months while undergoing skills and entrepreneurial development program, he failed irreversibly.

12. Buhari promised establishment of a free-tuition and scholarship scheme for pupils, with exceptional aptitude in science subjects at O/Levels in order to study ICT-related courses, he failed woefully.

13. Muhammadu Buhari promised to create additional middle-class of at least 2 million new homeowners and 1 million per year subsequently, he failed colossally and instead made Nigeria and Nigerians, slide into grinding poverty and earned the unenviable “world headquarters of poverty.”

14. Muhammadu Buhari promised us that he would create National Conflict Resolution Commission order prevent, mitigate and address frontally civil conflicts, he failed totally and instead slammed unto Nigeria irreversible and unending conflicts, due to his failed Fulanirisation agenda.

15. Muhammadu Buhari assured Nigerians of building six centres of excellence to address special education needs, he did not even attempt building only one, he failed absolutely as usual.

16. Buhari promised Nigerians that willing homeowners shall have national mortgage system, where interest rates would be lowest ever, he failed as usual.

17. He also promised national infrastructural development bank, for accessing loans at low nominal interest rates, he failed totally.

18. Buhari promised raising life expectancy level of Nigerians by extra 10 years, he failed irreversibly, and instead implemented policies which made grinding poverty, hunger and squalor the norm, by so doing, many Nigerians committed suicide or died avoidable deaths.

19. Buhari promised Nigerian women that in the National Assembly, seats shall be specially reserved for them, he failed colossally.

20. Buhari assured us that a single ECOWAS currency by Year 2020, shall be in operation, under Nigeria’s leadership, he failed.

21. Buhari assured us that he would make the Naira stable at the global market, he failed absolutely; as at the beginning of his regime Naira was 199 to a dollar, at the end of his 8 years senseless tenure, Naira to dollar was 760, what a failure?

22. One of main campaign themes of Buhari was the amendment of the Nigerian Constitution, this particular promise won the heart of most Nigerians who voted for him, but as usual, he failed abysmally.

Further, he promised to remove the immunity clause which shields public officers from prosecution in criminal cases, he failed.

23. Mr. Buhari, former President of Nigeria promised to work in concert with top emerging economies namely Brazil, Russia, India and China (BRIC) for strategic business partnership, to turn our economic fortunes round for better, he failed.

24. Our economy being agrarian before the advent of crude oil, relied heavily on agriculture, Buhari promised to create Commodity Board to secure best pricing for selected crops and facilitate storage of agricultural products, as usual, he failed.

25. In an attempt to exhibit a transparent and accountable government, Buhari said he would implement full disclosure of government contracts above N100m, before award and during implementation at regular intervals, he failed.

26. The Nigeria entertainment industry, being a pride to all, and a veritable source of revenue, Buhari promised the funding Nollywood to be on same standing with Hollywood and Bollywood, he failed.

27. Buhari vowed to make policies halting the pollution of coastal lines, rivers and waterways in the Niger Delta including other parts of Nigeria, he failed.

28. He also promised to reform and strengthen the justice system for effective administration and dispensation of justice, with special courts for speedy resolution of our recurring problems of corruption, drug trafficking, terrorism and ancillary matters, he failed as usual and instead, habitually disobey court orders.

29. In the health sector, Buhari vowed to increase national health expenditure per person per annum from less than N10, 000 to about N50,000, he failed absolutely, nay, his promise to reduce maternal mortality rate by more than 70% is also a colossal failure; but he spent 8 years in office and was always at University College London, where he maintained a permanent suite.

30. Given the pervasive insecurity in the country, Buhari vowed to create special Crime Squad to combat terrorism, kidnapping, armed robbery, militancy, ethno-religious and communal clashes in the country, he failed totally, one is not surprised at this, because Buhari is the architect of insecurity in Nigeria given his inordinate ambition of taking over Nigeria, via his Fulanirisation agenda.

31. The creation of N300 billion Regional Growth Fund with average of N50bn in each of the six geo-political zones, to be managed by the REDAs, in order improve the economy of Nigeria is another promise by Buhari, and he failed.

32. The much-touted promise to build at least one functioning airport in each of the 36 states of the Federation is another failure recorded by Buhari administration.

33. Buhari promised Nigerians that he would reduce HIV/AIDs infection rate by 50%, as well as, other infectious diseases by 75%, he failed.

34. In an attempt to get commensurate salary for job done, Buhari promised Nigerians that all political officer holders shall earn salaries and emoluments as determined and approved by the Revenue Mobilization and Fiscal Commission (RMFAC), he failed, and to date, our political office holders are one of the highest paid across the globe while majority of Nigerians, are living below global poverty line and in extreme difficulties.

35. Gas flaring is one of the avoidable economic wastages that has been in place for decades, besides the health hazards; Buhari as President and Petroleum Minister for 8 years, promised to end gas flaring, he failed woefully.

36. On health, Buhari promised to increase the number of doctors from 19 doctors to 1000 people to 50 doctors to 1000 people, as usual, he failed, and instead of fulfilling his promise, by virtue of his unattractive policies, caused the highest brain drain in the health sector, while he would always travel abroad for medical attention, even for a common flu.

37. Buhari promised to upgrade all Federal Government-owned hospitals to world-class facilities within five years, he failed absolutely.

38. Buhari promised to strengthen operational and legal instruments to enforce discipline within members of the Armed Forces regarding human rights violations of civilians, he failed abysmally and instead armed them to kill, maim and inflict irreversible damages to lives and properties of Nigerians, all in the name of Fulanirisation.

The above 38 items are a few that readily comes to mind, because there are many more not listed; the listed ones are a testimony to the colossal failure of Muhammud Buhari’s management of Nigeria’s political, and socio-economic affairs, and above all, the itemized litany of failures is what lawyers refer to as res ipsa loquitur, meaning, the facts speak for itself.

Conclusion

From all the foregoing analysis of Muhammud Buhari’s assessment as former President of Nigeria, it is manifestly clear that his regime remains the worst political disaster that ever befell Nigeria since independence, from United Kingdom in 1960.

Other Nigerian leaders be it military or civilian, understood the complex and heterogeneous nature of Nigeria; they all were conscious of the tenuous thread binding Nigeria together as a nation of many diversities, they were all very cautious and threaded carefully. Unfortunately, Buhari a semi-illiterate and old-fashioned man, was busy tracing cow routes which predated amalgamation of Nigeria in 1914 because, the only language he understood, is “free range cattle rearing.”

Buhari shall forever be remembered for being one leader, who left Nigeria and Nigerians worse than he met us, by his numerous anti people policies, particularly his Fulanirisation policy of finding a permanent home hook or crook, for his Fulani people who are aliens to Nigeria, his ancestral home, being Niger Republic.

Buhari’s name has been etched down in black book, and history shall always remember him for his deeds against Nigeria and Nigerians…

We fervently pray to Almighty God, never to allow Buhari’s kind of government in Nigeria again.

•Yoruba Emancipation Union Worldwide (yorubaemancipationunion.blogspot.com) sent this piece from Rue Vab Lint's 73 1079 Brussels, Belgium.

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