Prominent political and traditional leaders from Nigeria’s 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory converged in Kaduna on Tuesday to evaluate the performance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, two years into its tenure.
The event, held at the historic Arewa House, was organized by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation and brought together former governors, ministers, traditional rulers, civil society actors, technocrats, and top government officials to assess federal policies and their impact on the Northern region.
Themed “Assessing Electoral Promises: Fostering Government-Citizen Engagement for National Unity,” the two-day interactive session is part of a sustained dialogue initiated in 2022, when then-presidential candidates—including Tinubu—presented their manifestos to Northern stakeholders.
Speaking ahead of the forum, Director-General of the Foundation, Abubakar Gambo Umar, emphasized the significance of the event as a “critical litmus test” for measuring the federal government’s responsiveness to the region’s challenges.
“The North gave President Tinubu overwhelming electoral support. This engagement is aimed at evaluating how far his administration has delivered on the promises made to our people,” Umar said.
Northern Governors Reaffirm Support
Gombe State Governor and Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, reaffirmed the region’s support for President Tinubu, citing notable gains in infrastructure and security.
Yahaya pointed to key projects such as the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Expressway, Kano-Katsina-Maradi rail line, the rehabilitation of the Kaduna Refinery, and oil exploration at the Kolmani oilfield as indicators that Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is bearing fruit.
He acknowledged the removal of fuel subsidy and foreign exchange reforms as difficult but necessary policies, urging citizens and leaders to remain patient and engaged. “We must complement federal efforts at the grassroots to achieve inclusive development,” he said.
Kaduna Governor: Promises Turning Into Reality
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State echoed similar sentiments, praising Tinubu’s commitment to security, education, health, and economic empowerment in the North.
He noted major infrastructure developments like the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway and Kaduna–Kano rail line, along with social interventions such as the student loan scheme and digital skills training for youth.
“The President’s electoral promises are not just slogans but binding commitments. It is our duty to work with him to address decades-old problems,” Sani stated.
ACF Raises Alarm Over Perceived Marginalisation
In a more critical tone, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Alhaji Bashir M. Dalhatu, expressed concern over what he termed “growing marginalisation” of the North under Tinubu’s administration.
Dalhatu said while the North contributed over 64% of the votes that brought Tinubu to power, it has seen limited benefit in terms of infrastructure, appointments, and budgetary allocations.
He cited the abandonment of the Ajaokuta Steel Plant, low funding for agriculture, and lopsided road project allocations as areas of concern. “Only ₦24 billion of the ₦1 trillion road budget in 2025 went to the North-East,” he said.
Dalhatu called for urgent action on youth unemployment, insecurity, and educational reform, while urging the federal government to establish a permanent consultation framework with Northern stakeholders.
NSA, SGF Respond with Assurances
National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, countered some of the concerns by highlighting the administration’s successes in curbing insecurity. He said coordinated security operations across the North-West have led to the release of over 11,000 hostages and a marked reduction in banditry and terrorism.
“The President’s directive for a unified security strategy has produced measurable results. Kaduna, Zamfara, and Katsina have seen major gains,” Ribadu stated.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to industrial development in the North. He announced plans to revive the defunct Kaduna Textile Industry as part of broader efforts to boost local manufacturing.
“President Tinubu is determined to industrialize Nigeria. Reviving legacy industries like Kaduna Textile is part of that vision,” Akume said.
A Call for Unity and Continued Dialogue
The forum attracted key figures including the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris; Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaam Suleiman-Ibrahim; Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa; NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd); and several state and federal lawmakers.
While opinions at the forum varied—from strong support to critical appraisal—participants agreed on the need for sustained government-citizen engagement and regional collaboration to ensure inclusive development.
“The Hausa say: ‘Gyara kayanka bai zama sauke mu raba ba’—correcting your own does not mean division,” Dalhatu reminded. “Our criticism is rooted in a commitment to Nigeria’s unity and progress.”
The interactive session continues on Wednesday, with expectations of further strategic recommendations for strengthening governance and accountability in Nigeria.
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