The elder statesman and convener of Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Chief Edwin Clark, has said the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari severely hampered the growth of the country and reversed the gains of his predecessors.
Speaking while reviewing the performance of Buhari’s government, Clark said Buhari pushed Nigeria five decades backward.
Buhari had, on Tuesday, showered encomium on himself for giving his best to the country between 2015 and 2023, despite insecurity, economic hardship, and unemployment among other challenges that plagued the country under his watch.
The former leader said this at the book launch of his former media aide, Femi Adesina, in Abuja.
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)’.
However, Clark, in a statement said the portrayal of Buhari’s government in the book did not reflect the parlous state of the nation and what Nigeria went through under him.
He said the books were contrary to the assessment of the majority of Nigerians of his administration, adding that Buhari’s government was beset by unprecedented economic downturn, insecurity and bigotry.
“I watched the public presentation of the book 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.”
