VANGUARD
In a stunning admission on Monday, former Nigerian president, Muhammadu Buhari, revealed that the withdrawal of oil subsidy was not motivated by the country’s economic interests but rather as a political move to benefit the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its then-presidential candidate, leader, Bola Tinubu, in the February 25, 2023 elections.
This revelation, which came through a press statement by former presidential media aide Mallam Garba Shehu, has ignited a firestorm of criticism, raising broader questions about how national interests were prioritized throughout Buhari’s tenure and shedding light on a range of pressing issues that plagued Nigeria during his time in office.
Former President Buhari’s reported confession regarding the withdrawal of oil subsidy also triggered a wave of public outrage. Nigerians from all walks of life are now questioning whether their ex-leader’s decisions had been guided by a genuine commitment to serving the nation’s interests or instead driven by political calculations.
The decision to remove the subsidy has been met with widespread backlash, as it led to an immediate increase in fuel prices, exacerbating the economic challenges faced by ordinary citizens.
The former President’s admission further raised concerns about the governance ethics under his leadership. Critics argue that his alleged inaction or turning a blind eye to corrupt practices within his administration allowed a culture of impunity to thrive.
Voodoo contracts, oil theft, and massive stealing became rampant, further eroding public trust in the government’s ability to tackle corruption effectively. The lack of accountability contributed to the country’s economic woes and hindered its progress.
Another troubling aspect of Buhari’s presidency was his perceived inaction in addressing the escalating violence perpetrated by Fulani herdsmen.
The President’s ‘body language,’ as some critics put it, was seen as encouraging these attacks, which resulted in countless lives lost, kidnappings, and disrupted farming activities. The failure of the military to respond adequately to these atrocities added to the growing sense of insecurity and instability in affected communities.
Reactions
In light of President Buhari’s confession, Nigerian leaders from various sectors and civil society organizations have come forward to express their concerns and demand accountability…
