…Says communities suffered violence, persecution, and marginalisation
By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
The Southern Kaduna Christian Leaders Association (SKCLA), led by Apostle Dr. Emmanuel Nuhu Kure, has extended its condolences to the family of the late President Muhammadu Buhari and the Federal Republic of Nigeria following his passing.
However, the group also issued a stark reflection on the former president’s leadership, particularly during his second term in office, which it described as one of the most difficult periods for the people of Southern Kaduna.
In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by the SKCLA chairman, Apostle Kure, the association noted:
“As a body that speaks on behalf of a deeply wounded people, we must express the truth without pretense or political correctness.”
The statement added: “President Buhari’s second term in office stands out in our memory as one of the darkest and toughest eras for the Southern Kaduna people. Under his watch, our communities were subjected to unchecked violence, persecution, and marginalisation, while the federal government remained either indifferent or complicit through silence.”
Despite the criticism, the association acknowledged the late president’s earlier leadership as military Head of State from 1984 to 1985, noting that period as one of relative national discipline and effort toward reform.
“We remember with nostalgia his first coming as Nigeria’s military Head of State in 1984–1985. During that brief period, there was a determined effort to sanitise the Nigerian system, instill national discipline, confront corruption, and restore national pride. The nostalgia of 1984/85 still lives with many of us, despite its flaws. Buhari made us feel that Nigerians can adapt to discipline with the right leadership in place,” the statement read.
Concluding, the SKCLA prayed for healing and unity in the nation, urging future leaders to uphold justice, equity, and inclusivity in governance.
“May God heal this nation from the traumas of the past and raise leaders who will truly serve all Nigerians with justice, equity, and truth — not favouring one part of the country over another,” it stated.
The statement, titled “Southern Kaduna Christian Leaders Speak on the Passing of Former President Muhammadu Buhari,” was dated 14th July 2025.
