The top Igbo cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has shared its sadness over the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari. The group said his passing should be a big reminder to those in power about how they will be remembered.
Ohanaeze also offered their condolences to the Northern leaders, Buhari’s family, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during this difficult time.
The group urged the Igbo people to follow their traditions and show respect for the dead, even when there are disagreements about what the person did while alive.
In a message shared by Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro and Thompson Ohia, Ohanaeze described Buhari as a disciplined soldier who many people in the North respected.
However, they pointed out that people in the Southeast remember Buhari’s time in power between 2015 and 2023 as a painful period filled with unhappiness and suffering.
They said even though the Igbo forgive him, they cannot easily forget the pain caused during his presidency. His leadership left deep scars on the Igbo community that will take time to heal.
Ohanaeze complained about how Buhari’s government ignored the killings and violence carried out by Fulani herdsmen and militias in Igbo areas. Many people are still asking why the government did nothing.
They also mentioned statements Buhari made like “a dot in the circle” and “teaching Igbos the language they will understand.” According to the group, these remarks created more division and mistrust between the government and the Igbo people.
Ohanaeze further criticized how Buhari’s government treated Boko Haram terrorists and Northern bandits, saying they were freed and re-accepted into society, while peaceful Biafra agitators were locked up. They described this as unfair and unjust.
They blamed Buhari’s time in office for the continued insecurity in the Southeast. They say the violence seen today began under his rule and reminded them of ethnic cleansing and targeted killings of Igbo people.
They added that Nnamdi Kanu, a well-known figure in Igbo land, was arrested twice by Buhari’s government and is still in detention. They believe this shows a bigger pattern of oppression.
According to Ohanaeze, the truth is that Nigeria’s economy, security, and public services became worse during Buhari’s administration. They said many in his government promoted tribal interests and corruption instead of fairness and competence.
The group ended by saying Buhari’s death should make current and future leaders think deeply. They reminded those in power that no position lasts forever, and their legacy will be judged by what they do for the people.
