An elder statesman and convener of Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Chief Edwin Clark, has claimed the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari pushed Nigeria five decades backward.
Clark said this while giving his assessment of Buhari’s government.
Buhari had, on Tuesday, praised himself for giving his best to the country between 2015 and 2023, despite insecurity, economic hardship, and unemployment among other depravities that rocked the country under his watch.
The former leader said this at the book launch of his former media aide, Femi Adesina, in Abuja.
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The two books, Adesina wrote are: ‘Working with Buhari: Reflections of A Special Adviser, Media and Publicity (2015-2023)’ and ‘Muhammadu Buhari: The Nigerian Legacy (Volume 1-5)’.
Adesina used the books to praise his former boss, counting his achievements.
However, Clark, in a statement said Buhari’s achievements chronicled in the books betrayed the reality of what Nigerians went through.
He said the books are “contrary to the assessment of the majority of Nigerians of his administration.”
“I watched the public presentation of a book titled “Working with Buhari: Reflections of A Special Adviser, Media and Publicity (2015-2023)” written in five volumes by Femi Adesina and others, chronicling activities/achievements of Muhammadu Buhari during the eight years of his administration as President and Commander-In-Chief of the country, as contained in about 80 pages of the 488-page book,” the nonagenarian said.
“What struck me most is the attitude and statement of former President Buhari who eulogised his achievements as President of the country during the occasion.
“This, I must say, is contrary to the assessment of majority of Nigerians of his administration. To most of us as Nigerians, Muhammadu Buhari failed abysmally as President.
“His administration was full of insecurity, economic collapse, injustice, religious bigotry and lack of direction. The eight years of his administration plunged Nigeria and Nigerians, five decades backwards.
“Even his successor, the current President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noted as much in his speech at the time of the occasion where Buhari was eulogising himself.”
Meanwhile, at the book launch, Buhari apologised to Nigerians on some of his decisions that had heavy tolls on the country.
He said, “In our journey to the desired destination, there will be hard decisions taken, and the people would bear some costs. We can only seek their understanding, and state that there was no intention to deliberately inflict pain and anguish on anyone.
“This is why I apologised to such people at the end of our time in office. Sacrifices are still being made now, and will continue to be part of our national life and development. Governments will continually seek the understanding and support of the people they lead, for our ultimate good and goal.”
