Bello Alhassan, Kaduna
DAILY COURIER - A Northern group, the Arewa Think Tank (ATT), has issued a stern rebuttal to Dr. Reuben Abati, the former spokesperson to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, over his recent comments regarding former President Muhammadu Buhari. Abati reportedly claimed that Buhari would be "laughing at Nigeria" from his home in Daura, Katsina State, as the country grapples with ongoing economic challenges.
In a statement issued by the group's Convener, Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu, ATT expressed disbelief at Abati’s remarks, labeling them as a misguided attempt to distort the reality of Buhari’s presidency. Yakubu argued that it was unfathomable for Buhari to be laughing at Nigeria, given the widespread socio-economic challenges that developed under his administration and continue to haunt the nation.
“How can Buhari be laughing when the Central Bank governor during his tenure is still constantly in and out of detention? How can he laugh when his nephew is under serious investigation for allegedly embezzling billions of naira?” Yakubu questioned in the statement.
The group pointed out that the economic hardship Nigeria is currently experiencing was largely the result of policies implemented during Buhari’s eight-year tenure. According to Yakubu, Buhari left behind a country mired in hunger, insecurity, and an economy that was "brought to its knees" due to poor governance and weak economic foundations.
Questioning Buhari's Alleged Amusement
The ATT statement expressed confusion over Abati’s suggestion that Buhari would find humor in the country’s predicament. Yakubu highlighted several instances where Buhari’s legacy continues to haunt the country, citing ongoing investigations into financial mismanagement under his administration.
“How can Reuben Abati suggest Buhari is happy when the economy he handed over to his successor was in shambles? How could he be amused when the aviation minister under his government is in court for alleged fraud, or when billions meant for the most vulnerable were embezzled by his humanitarian minister?” the statement continued.
ATT also condemned the former president’s handling of Nigeria’s financial resources, particularly in relation to crude oil production and foreign debt. The group accused Buhari’s administration of using oil production as collateral for loans from foreign governments, leaving the country with crushing debt obligations.
The ATT statement continued to outline allegations of gross financial mismanagement under Buhari, particularly involving the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). “How could Buhari laugh when his former CBN governor spent almost N95 billion just to print N145 million worth of naira notes?”
A Call for Reflection on Buhari’s Legacy
Rather than laughing, Yakubu suggested that Buhari should be "deeply disturbed and saddened" by the numerous scandals that have come to light since he left office. The group called for a sober reflection on Buhari’s legacy, urging the former president to acknowledge the failures that transpired under his leadership.
“We pray that history judges Buhari kindly in accordance with his deeds while in office. However, Nigerians must not be misled by Reuben Abati’s comments,” the statement said. The ATT expressed concern over the misleading narrative that Buhari may be indifferent to the consequences of his actions while in power.
Advice for President Tinubu
The Arewa Think Tank went further to advise President Bola Tinubu to distance his administration from that of Buhari in order to prevent the failures of the past from overshadowing his own leadership. According to the group, it is crucial for Tinubu to carve out his own path and avoid being associated with the mismanagement that occurred under Buhari’s government.
“If President Tinubu doesn’t act quickly, there is a real threat of public discontent growing, especially with the looming food crisis. Nigerians could revolt against his government if urgent steps are not taken to stabilize the economy,” Yakubu warned.
While ATT commended Tinubu’s efforts on local government autonomy and the removal of fuel subsidies, it urged the President to confront the pressing issue of insecurity head-on. Yakubu stressed that criminal elements, particularly bandits, are not invincible and can be defeated if tackled with determination.
"The criminal elements terrorizing our communities are not spirits. They can be defeated, and we urge President Tinubu to leave behind a legacy as the leader who frontally addressed the scourge of banditry," Yakubu concluded.
The Arewa Think Tank’s response marks a significant intervention in the ongoing debate over Buhari’s legacy, as political figures and commentators continue to assess the challenges facing Nigeria under the leadership of his successor, Bola Tinubu.
