Northern elders blast Buhari, say he ‘has no answers to Nigeria’s problems’

The Northern Elders Forum on Friday lashed out at the presidency, warning that the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (rets) has no answers to the country’s numerous problems.

Speaking during a live interview on Channels Television, Spokesman of the Northern Elders Forum, Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, said it was clear the government is not doing enough.

The elder statesman also added that the Buhari has a mandate to actively address the challenges of the country, and not just be ‘ensconced in the villa’.

His statement was a reaction to the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu’s claim on the same programme that Buhari was passionate about the unity of Nigeria as well as tackling the myriads of security challenges in the country.

“I sat here listening to Garba in the last 30 minutes or thereabout. But Buhari cannot send his media aide to speak on his behalf.

“He needs to address the nation, not sit ensconced in the villa.

“I am absolutely convinced the president has no answer to the country’s problems. He needs to address the country properly,” he said.

Buhari’s tardy response to burning issues has led to speculations that he is not fit enough for the job.

Harsher critics have even suggested that the president is not in charge at the presidency, pointing to the so-called ‘cabal’ that runs the country’s affairs.

Nigerians have been bedeviled by growing insecurity, separatists pressures, widespread poverty and an ailing economy.