By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
The Southern Kaduna Christian Leaders Association has described the tenure of former President Muhammadu Buhari as one of the darkest periods in the history of the region, citing widespread violence, marginalisation, and government inaction.
Reacting to the death of the former president, the association, led by Apostle Dr. Emmanuel Kure, expressed condolences to Buhari’s family and the Nigerian state, but said it was compelled to speak the truth about his leadership legacy.
In a statement issued on Monday, the group said Buhari’s second term in office was marked by “unchecked violence, persecution, and marginalisation” against the people of Southern Kaduna, accusing the federal government under his leadership of being indifferent or complicit through silence.
“President Buhari’s second term in office stands out in our memory as one of the darkest and toughest eras for the Southern Kaduna people,” the statement read.
“As a body that speaks on behalf of a deeply wounded people, we must express the truth without pretense or political correctness.”
However, the group also recalled Buhari’s earlier stint as military Head of State between 1984 and 1985 with a measure of nostalgia, praising his efforts at national discipline, anti-corruption, and systemic reforms during that period.
“We remember with nostalgia his first coming as Nigeria’s military Head of State. During that brief period, there was a determined effort to sanitise the system, confront corruption, and restore national pride,” the statement added.
The association prayed for national healing and called for future leaders to uphold justice, equity, and fairness to all parts of the country.
“May God heal this nation from the traumas of the past and raise leaders who will truly serve all Nigerians, not favouring one region over another,” the statement added.
