SOME Nigerians hurt by President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration are no longer alive, Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere has said.
In a speech last Friday, President Buhari asked Nigerians to forgive him for any way he has hurt them.
“Without deceiving ourselves, the Nigerian government under the outgoing President Muhammadu Buhari certainly ‘hurt’ a lot of people – to use his own word. Some of them are no longer alive. Some who are alive have wounds that can hardly ever heal. Both physical and psycho-social wounds,” Afenifere’s National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi said in a statement.
“Because the Almighty created many humans to have large hearts, many whom the President had hurt may forgive him. That is for those who are alive, the statement read.
“But then, what about thousands who have died as a result of avoidable acts that can easily be traced to the government such as non-provision of security and welfare as clearly enshrined in the Constitution?”
The group said that many people might be inclined to forgive Buhari if, the president could effect “dramatic changes” in policies that are making life difficult for Nigerians before he leaves office next month.
Afenifere urged Buhari to take decisive action that will permanently halt insecurity in the country and ensure immediate payment of the eight-month salaries of university lecturers.
The socio-political group also asked Buhari to ensure that those in IDP camps are resettled in their ancestral homes, and that “the stranglehold on the economy”, especially through unfriendly fiscal policies, be relaxed so that economic activities can quickly bounce back.
The group argued that these measures can be successfully implemented before May 29 “if President Buhari and his team really desire to do them”.