Politics
Buhari Has Abandoned Us, Support Group Cries Out
The Coalition of Buhari Support Group Leaders (CBSGL), an umbrella of 21 political groups, has accused President Mohammadu Buhari of abandoning its members since after his victory in 2015 and 2019 elections, despite its enormous contributions.
The group claimed that in 2014, they begged him to take a shot at the presidency after being defeated three times and even rallied round to ensure that he wins. But since then, efforts to get the attention of the President has proved futile.
In an open letter to the President, jointly signed by the spokesman, Dozie Nwankodu and secretary, Kalita Joseph Aruku, and made available to newsmen, the CBSGL said none of its members had been compensated with political appointments, lamenting that they had become a laughing stock.
The letter reads in part:
“It is with heavy hearts that we, the group leaders under the aegis of Coalition of Buhari Support Group Leaders (CBSGL), representing twenty-one eminent support groups, duly registered with the Buhari Support Organisation (BSO), and membership spread across the 36 states of the federation, and the F.C.T, write you this letter after several efforts to get your attention proved abortive.
“Mr President, you will recall that on the 30th of September 2014, we assembled as leaders and members of Buhari Support Groups (BSG) from across the country, in Abuja, to beg you to take a shot at the presidency for the fourth time, which you assented to. That signalled the beginning of a historic victory at the 2015 Presidential elections.
“Sir, when you obtained the Presidential form, you were the least financed among the leading candidates, but we saw it as a BIG challenge and started raising funds across the country from our meagre resources, in order to galvanise support for your election, via our formidable support groups.
It continues: “While we spent our meagre resources, lodging, feeding, campaigning and mobilising voters across the federation while the BSO activities lasted, we are confident that we formed a veritable part of BSO’s success stories.
“Our respected President, are you going to pacify us when you exit office as the President? We have been reduced to chessboards today because even opposition parties now see us as veritable mouthpieces during your elections without any benefit from the government we helped to enthrone.
“In all sincerity, it is sad that we have done so much with nothing to show for it. Baba, is this now the natural or man-made law reward for supporting you during the elections?
“Our respected President Buhari, we wish you all the best and pray that God/Allah continue to grant you the strength and wisdom to continue to steer the Nigeria ship to the Next “security guaranteed” Level and economic prosperity which your administration has in her kitty for Nigeria and Nigerians.”
Accordingg to the statement, the Board and National Executive Committee of PANDEF, noted with very grave concern the recent spate of political developments in Rivers State.
“Regrettably, these developments have now degenerated into the decision of the Rivers State House of Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against the governor and deputy governor.
“This is a deeply disturbing situation that demands urgent attention in order to forestall further escalation and breakdown of law and order.
“This concern is heightened by the critical importance and strategic centrality of Rivers to the Niger Delta region and to the broader socio-political stability and economic wellbeing of Nigeria as a whole”, the statement said.
The Forum called on all parties involved in the resurgent political imbroglio to sheathe their swords and embrace peace.
“This should be guided by the principles of give-and-take, dialogue, tolerance, and political equanimity.
“All stakeholders must place paramount importance on peace, development and the welfare of the people of Rivers.
“We must now focus squarely on good governance and development of the state,” the Forum said.
PANDEF commended President Bola Tinubu, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), respected elders of Rivers State, and other well-meaning Nigerians for their previous and ongoing efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the state.
Speaking in an interview on Saturday, January 10, Chief Sara-Igbe alleged that the minister had flouted regulations governing the commencement of electioneering campaigns by moving from one local government area to another to galvanise political support.
According to him, the action amounted to a clear breach of electoral guidelines being carried out with a troubling sense of impunity that could undermine the rule of law.
“Wike has violated the electoral laws of campaigning by going from local government to local government to talk to the people. He travelled from one local government to another. As a result of his visits to local government areas, he has broken election regulations and continues to do all these things without fear of repercussions”, Chief Sara-Igbe said.
The remarks came as Chief Wike was set to round off a state-wide “thank-you” tour that covered all 23 local government areas of Rivers State.
Although the minister had described the tour as an appreciation visit following support for President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 general elections, critics say the engagements have assumed an overtly political character.
Observers note that during several stops, including recent visits to Andoni and Bonny local government areas, the minister rallied supporters across party lines under what he termed a “Rainbow Coalition,” a move widely interpreted as part of a broader political strategy.
During these engagements, Chief Wike was also reported to have made remarks perceived as a veiled challenge to the authority of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, while repeatedly referencing the 2027 elections and urging supporters to prepare to “correct the mistake” of 2023.
Chief Sara-Igbe warned that allowing such activities to continue unchecked could erode public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process and called on relevant authorities to enforce existing laws without fear or favour.
The Commission, in a statement on Wednesday, claimed that there were plans by the same group to escalate a smear campaign against its Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, to frustrate ongoing investigations and prosecutions involving prominent individuals.
The statement endorsed by the agency’s spokesman, Mr Dele Oyewale, claimed that the action was intended to distract the Commission through unfounded allegations of political bias in the discharge of its duties.
The EFCC warned that it would not stand by and watch “those recruited into this ignoble enterprise” or allow any attempt to derail it from “the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.”
The Commission made it clear that those recruited into this venture were under close watch, adding that it would not tolerate any attempt to distract it from the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.
“The EFCC reiterates its non-political stance in all its activities. Facts on the ground clearly show that any political actor belonging to the ruling party or opposition party, with corruption baggage, has no hiding place from the operational radar and dynamics of the Commission.
“As a matter of fact, several strong members of the ruling and opposition parties are either facing trial before the courts or being investigated by the Commission.
“It is needful that Nigerians appreciate the fact that the Commission is keeping faith with its Establishment Act in all its operations.
“Therefore, the Commission reiterates its commitment to justice, without fear or favour, in the fulfilment of its mandate,” the statement pointed out.