Ngige: Buhari's Disappointment in Nnamdi Kanu's Release

A Personal Account of Disappointment and Reflections on Buhari’s Legacy

Former Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige, has shared a rare insight into a moment when he felt personally let down by former President Muhammadu Buhari. This revelation comes as a reflection on the complex relationship between political allies and the challenges of navigating national leadership.

Ngige, who served as the governor of Anambra State, recounted an instance in 2022 when he believed Buhari had failed to uphold a request made by a group of respected Igbo leaders. The issue centered around the detention of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a group that has been at the center of several political and social debates in Nigeria.

The former minister described how he arranged a high-level meeting between Buhari and a delegation of prominent Igbo elders. This group included notable figures such as the late Chief Mbazulike Amaechi, a former First Republic Minister of Aviation, and Dr Chukwuemeka Ezeife, among others. The team also included Bishop Onuoha, Chief Ralph Uwazurike, and then-Minister of Science and Technology, Chief Ogbonnaya Onu.

During this meeting, the delegation urged Buhari to release Kanu on compassionate grounds. Ngige emphasized that he was deeply disappointed with the president's decision not to act on their plea. In an interview, he stated, “Yes, I was disappointed and I told him. In 2022, I organized for him to meet with Igbo leaders. We went with Chief Mbazulike Amaechi leading the team… we appealed to him, but it didn’t happen. That was why I said Buhari disappointed me on that matter.”

Despite his disappointment, Ngige maintained that he considered himself a friend to Buhari until the end. He acknowledged the former president’s commitment to the well-being of Nigerians, especially those who were marginalized or in need. However, he noted that this particular request was one that Buhari refused to fulfill.

In addition to reflecting on Buhari’s stance on Kanu, Ngige spoke about the former president’s resistance to the devaluation of the Nigerian Naira during his eight years in office. According to Ngige, Buhari fought against this economic challenge “with all his strength.” This perspective highlights the broader economic policies and decisions that shaped Buhari’s presidency.

Ngige also shared his personal reaction to Buhari’s death, which he described as a shock. Although he had expressed concerns about the former president’s health during his prolonged medical absence in 2016 and 2017, the news of his passing still came as a surprise. “That’s God’s will,” he said, adding, “But on Nnamdi Kanu, I can say he let me down.”

This personal account provides a unique glimpse into the dynamics of political relationships and the challenges faced by leaders in balancing loyalty, policy, and public sentiment. It also underscores the lasting impact of Buhari’s tenure and the mixed reactions from those who worked closely with him.