Ijaw Leader Condemns Buhari Government as Worse Than Civil War

In a scathing critique, Joseph Evah, the Coordinator of Ijaw Monitoring Group (IMG), has likened the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari to a reign of terror surpassing even the darkest days of the Nigeria civil war. Evah, a prominent Ijaw environmental activist, spared no punches in his assessment, highlighting the rampant insecurity plaguing the nation and calling for urgent action to stem the tide of kidnappings and violence.

In an interview with Daily Post, Evah addressed a spectrum of pressing issues, including the performance of President Bola Tinubu’s government, the escalating calls for restructuring, the resurgence of school kidnappings, and the labor unions’ demand for a higher minimum wage.

Commenting on President Tinubu’s tenure thus far, Evah acknowledged the president’s call for patience, urging a wait-and-see approach before passing judgment. However, he issued a stark warning regarding the escalating insecurity, cautioning that failure to address the crisis could plunge Nigeria into lawlessness akin to Haiti.

Expressing dismay over the recent surge in school kidnappings, Evah lambasted the government’s apparent inaction, questioning the effectiveness of national security agencies in thwarting such attacks. He criticized the perceived indifference of political leaders, particularly the Senate President, in the face of mounting tragedies.

Echoing the growing clamor for restructuring, Evah emphasized the need to revert to a parliamentary system of governance. Drawing parallels with past leaders like Obafemi Awolowo and Yakubu Gowon, he urged President Tinubu to heed the calls for reform, warning of dire consequences if the issue remains unaddressed.

Citing the failure to prosecute corrupt individuals during Buhari’s tenure, Evah attributed the resurgence of criminal activities to the lack of accountability. He called on President Tinubu to surround himself with individuals of integrity, reminiscent of the leadership style of past Nigerian icons.

In a poignant tribute, Evah mourned the passing of Frank Kokori, a key figure in the June 12 struggle. Reflecting on Kokori’s legacy and the neglect he faced in his final days, Evah criticized the abandonment of Kokori by civil society and political elites alike, while praising the Delta State Government for its support.

Joseph Evah’s impassioned critique underscores the deep-seated challenges facing Nigeria’s governance and security landscape. As the nation grapples with escalating crises, his words serve as a rallying cry for urgent reform and renewed commitment to the ideals of justice, integrity, and accountability.