The Southern Kaduna Christian Leaders Association (SKCLA), has issued a heartfelt response to the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, offering condolences while also reflecting critically on the impact of his second term on their region.
In a statement issued to journalists yesterday in Abuja, by the association’s chairman, Apostle Dr. Emmanuel Nuhu Kure, the group extended sympathies to the Buhari family and the nation but emphasized that the period of his second tenure was marked by significant hardship for Southern Kaduna communities.
“President Buhari’s second term in office remains a challenging period for many in Southern Kaduna,” the statement read. “During this time, our communities experienced violence and neglect, while the federal government’s response was perceived as insufficient.”
The association clarified that its message was not intended to be confrontational but rather to convey the sentiments of a community still grappling with past experiences.
Despite the concerns raised, the group also acknowledged Buhari’s leadership style during his earlier tenure as a military head of state in 1984–1985, noting that he had shown a commitment to national discipline and anti-corruption efforts.
“The 1984/85 period left many with a sense that order and integrity were possible in governance,” Apostle Kure stated.
The group concluded by calling for healing and unity across Nigeria. They prayed for leaders who will embrace fairness and inclusivity, and govern in a way that strengthens the sense of belonging for all regions.
Their statement offers a candid regional perspective on the former president’s legacy, underlining the importance of equitable governance and national reconciliation moving forward.