Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex socio-cultural organisation for the Igbo, South-East, Nigeria has told President Bola Tinubu to probe the aides of former president, Muhammadu Buhari to save the nation’s economy from collapse.
A statement by the group reads: “Nigeria’s economy is in a state of crisis, and Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, and the resolute voice of the Igbo boldly call upon President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to summon the righteous resolve within him.
“It is time to officially initiate an executive probe into former President Buhari’s administration and the severe mismanagement of Nigeria’s economy from 2015 to 2023.
“This probe must investigate the reckless external borrowing that failed to translate into visible and tangible projects during Buhari’s regime.
“Furthermore, the probe must address the monumental re-looting of recovered loot from corrupt individuals and corporate organisations by Buhari’s ministers, close aides, and family members.
“The suffering endured by Ndigbo and Nigerians as a whole, in abject poverty and unimaginable hardship, can be directly attributed to the incompetence of Buhari’s economic team and the audacious re-looting of recovered assets.
“Former President Muhammadu Buhari, despite securing the presidency on his fourth attempt, presided over the most corrupt, nepotistic, inefficient, and ineffective government in Nigerian history.
“His promotion of the Fulanization agenda and empowerment of Myetti Allah, the quasi-apex group driving the destructive Fulanization ideology, have plunged Nigerians into a state of agony and economic turmoil.
“Recession struck the nation twice between 2015 and 2023, a consequence of Buhari’s inept management of the Nigerian economy. Ndigbo and Nigerians demand an immediate, comprehensive probe of former President Buhari’s administration, extending beyond former CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele and his family alone.
“We also advocate for the urgent arrests and prosecutions of Buhari’s ministers, close aides, service chiefs, family members, and associates.
“To prevent the spread of economic hardship protests, temporarily halted by the African Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, President Tinubu must initiate an inescapable comprehensive probe of Buhari’s administration.
“Nigerians are astounded by the wealth accumulated by Buhari’s ministers, close aides, and family members, surpassing that of their states and even eclipsing the combined wealth of all 36 Nigerian states.
“These individuals must be compelled to return all the “re-looted” loot, as this signifies the initial step towards Nigeria’s economic recovery.
“Should the federal government attempt to evade the call to launch this probe or succumb to pressure to drop it?
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo Secretary General Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro says that Ohanaeze Ndigbo is prepared to take legal action.
“We will initiate court proceedings to compel President Tinubu, utilising his constitutional and executive powers vested in the office of the President, to officially initiate a thorough investigation into the actions of Buhari’s former ministers, service chiefs, close aides, and family members.
“Recovering all funds stolen from Nigeria’s treasury is imperative, given the escalating cost of living and the forex exchange crisis, which has led to the drastic fall of the naira due to the perceived hoarding of looted billions by Buhari’s ministers, close aides, the cabal, family members, and associates.
The “dollarization” of the Nigerian economy by Buhari’s economic teams must be addressed.
“Nigerians understand that this probe is essential to curbing corruption within our system. While Buhari may be exempt from the probe due to his presidential status, it should be remembered that in 2015, his ministers and close aides weaponised the office of the President, which Buhari occupied, to launch a ferocious probe against the family members, ministers, and associates of former President Goodluck Jonathan.
“Therefore, the reintroduction of a robust whistle-blowing policy is crucial to enabling Nigerians to provide valuable information to the federal government, thereby saving the economy and preventing the total collapse of the naira.
“Ohanaeze fervently prays that President Tinubu will find the courage to meet the expectations of Nigerians by holding the treasury looters in Buhari’s administration accountable.
“In conclusion, Ohanaeze Ndigbo remains steadfast in our commitment to fearlessly advocate for the rights and interests of all Igbos and Nigerians.
“The urgency of launching a thorough investigation into the widespread financial misconduct described above cannot be underestimated.
“We implore President Tinubu to heed our call and exercise resolute leadership in salvaging our crumbling economy.”
