Edwin Clark: Buhari’s administration pushed Nigeria five decades backward

Edwin Clark, convener of Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), says the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari pushed the country five decades backward.

On Tuesday, Femi Adesina, former media aide to Buhari launched a book he wrote “Working with Buhari: Reflections of A Special Adviser, Media and Publicity (2015-2023)”.

Another book titled “Muhammadu Buhari: The Nigerian Legacy (Volume 1-5)” was also unveiled at the event.

Speaking during the book launch, Buhari said Adesina did the country a favour by writing a book in his honour.

The former presidential spokesperson also said he wrote his book to change false narratives about Buhari.

However, Clarke, in a statement on Thursday, said Buhari’s achievements recorded in the books are “contrary to the assessment of 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 statement reads.

“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.”