Nobody Is Caring About The Southeast For The Past 10 Years- Hakeem Baba-Ahmed Revealed

According to Vanguard, Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, who previously served as Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu, openly stated that during the one and a half years he held the position, he did nothing of significance. In an interview on Channels TV, Baba-Ahmed further elaborated on why he declined the President’s invitation to meet, and voiced concerns regarding the neglect of the South-East geo-political zone by both the Buhari and Tinubu administrations.

Baba-Ahmed, who resigned from his role as the President’s political adviser in April, criticized the lack of attention given to the South-East, remarking, “Nobody is caring about the Southeast for the past 10 years.” This statement underscored his belief that both past and present administrations have consistently ignored the region’s needs and concerns. Reflecting on his tenure, Baba-Ahmed admitted to feeling unproductive.

“No, I didn’t do any job. I was supposed to be adviser on political matters to the President in the office of the Vice President,” he said, indicating that his role lacked the expected responsibilities and influence. Despite holding a significant position, he felt that the duties associated with it were not fulfilled, which led to his decision to resign from the post. During the interview, Baba-Ahmed also took issue with the disconnect between the government’s rhetoric and the reality of the country’s situation. He criticized the administration’s portrayal of Nigeria’s state, saying, “The difference between what President Tinubu’s people say the country is and what the country (actually) is today is miles apart.” His remark reflects his belief that the government’s narrative of progress is far removed from the actual conditions on the ground.

He added, “And you have to wonder whether we’re living in the same Nigeria,” expressing his frustration over the disparity between the official accounts and the lived experiences of citizens. Baba-Ahmed’s comments reveal deep dissatisfaction with both the current and previous administrations’ handling of political affairs, particularly in relation to the South-East.

His resignation and subsequent critique underscore his sense of disillusionment and frustration with the direction of political leadership in the country. The issues he raised, including the neglect of the South-East and the gap between government claims and reality, highlight ongoing concerns about political representation and governance in Nigeria.