Arewa

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of favouring the South-West region in federal appointments and warned that the trend undermines national unity and violates constitutional provisions.

In a statement by its spokesperson, Professor Abubakar Jika Jiddere, NEF cited Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution, which mandates equitable representation in government appointments.

The group condemned the recent composition of the National Census Committee as disproportionately skewed toward the South-West, calling it exclusionary and undemocratic.

NEF demanded an immediate review of the committee and a redistribution of appointments across all six geopolitical zones to ensure fairness.

It warned that continued marginalisation could deepen divisions and threaten national stability.

“Nigeria’s unity depends on leadership that upholds justice, inclusivity, and the rule of law,” the statement read.

By Kabiru Danladi Lawanti, PhD 

There is something about us, Arewa people. Whenever power shifts to the South, we start lamentations, accusing the leader, who is from the South, of nepotism or initiating policies that are deliberately aimed at destroying our region. 

We embrace this idea and write about it repeatedly. From 1999 to 2007, from 2010 to 2015, and now from 2023 to the present, we consistently reference our voting power in our writings. 

Recently, I read an article comparing our voting power and support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu with other regions of the country. How long can we continue these lamentations? When will we stop lamenting and start acting?

We need to shift the conversation from an overemphasis on population-driven electoral power to a more strategic focus on economic productivity and revenue generation. The viability and strength of Arewa are not solely determined by the sheer size of our population, but by how effectively that population is harnessed for economic growth, innovation, and wealth creation.

Arewa’s fixation on securing political dominance through demographic advantage has frequently overshadowed the more critical question we need to be asking ourselves. 

How do we convert our vast human and natural resources into sustainable development outcomes?

While concerns about the inequities of political appointments and perceived nepotism under the current Tinubu administration are valid, ongoing lamentation over political spoils can be counterproductive if not paired with proactive strategies for economic transformation.

What has happened to Arewa after all these years of political power? What becomes of the “K” states after each election season? What has happened to Jigawa or Bauchi? Is it enough to have just a Badaru or Tuggar as compensation for the over 5 million we gave the President?

What is required is a change in strategy: a deliberate and coordinated effort to leverage our expansive landmass and youthful population to drive industrialization, technological innovation, and inclusive economic growth. Our governors need to be wiser. Have you ever checked the total amount of FAAC allocations coming to our states and local governments? What are we doing with this money?

In this regard, lessons abound from the developmental trajectories of nations such as China and India, both of which have shown how demographic advantages can be transformed into competitive edges through disciplined policies, strategic investments in education and infrastructure, and a clear vision for economic self-reliance.

The path to power lies not just in numbers – voting power – but in what those numbers yield after elections.

I have learnt my lessons. What we need is not political power at the centre but what we do with that power and what our Governors are doing with the huge resources coming to them from Abuja. 

The agitation for removing Tinubu in 2027 can be compared to the agitations of removing the military in 1999 or Jonathan in 2015. They are driven by elite interests, not necessarily by situations we find ourselves in, Arewa.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Concerned Northern Forum (CNF) has threatened reprisal attacks in Northern states, including Abuja, following the killing of 16 Northern hunters in Uromi, Edo State.

The group has also called on Northerners living in Southern Nigeria to return home for their safety.

In a statement on Wednesday, CNF Chairman Alhaji Ali Muhammad accused authorities of failing to protect Northerners outside their region and warned that further inaction could trigger violent retaliation.

“No group has a monopoly on lawlessness,” the statement read. “If the government fails to act, reprisals will be inevitable.”

The CNF condemned the recurring attacks on Northerners, citing losses worth billions of naira in destroyed properties. It demanded the arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators and compensation for victims’ families.

While acknowledging Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo’s visit to Kano, the group dismissed it as insufficient, insisting on concrete justice to prevent further violence.

“The brutal murder of our people is unacceptable. We will no longer remain silent while our people are slaughtered,” the statement added

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has strongly opposed the suspension of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and members of the State House of Assembly by President Bola Tinubu.

It also urged for an immediate reversal of the decision.

In a statement issued by the Forum’s spokesperson, Professor Abubakar Jika Jiddere, the group expressed deep concern over the political unrest in Rivers State, calling it an unwarranted action that does not meet the constitutional requirements for declaring a state of emergency.

The NEF argued that the situation in Rivers State does not meet any of the conditions outlined in Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which includes war, imminent invasion, breakdown of public order, or clear and present danger.

The group accused the federal government of using the suspension to pursue personal and political interests, rather than to uphold democracy and public order.

The Forum has called on President Tinubu to lift the suspension of the governor, deputy governor, and members of the state assembly to restore democratic governance in the state.

In addition to the developments in Rivers State, the NEF also raised concerns over escalating political tensions in Kano, particularly regarding the traditional institution of the Kano Emirate.

The group warned that unresolved political disputes in Kano could lead to greater instability if not addressed promptly and fairly.

The Northern Elders Forum has urged the federal government to take fair and lasting actions to prevent further political crises and maintain peace and order across the country.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has established a Tax Reform Committee to tackle the challenges of taxation in Nigeria, especially the four proposed tax bills currently undergoing legislation. 

The committee, chaired by Senator Ahmed Muhammad Makarfi, former Governor of Kaduna State, comprises members with diverse expertise in finance, law, taxation and economics.

Other members of the committee include:

Dr. Mansur Mukhtar former Minister of Finance, Dr. Yerima Ngama, former Minister of State Finance, Joe-Kyari Gadzama SAN, Prof. Kabir Isa Dandago, Gambo Hamza, Kabiru M Ahmed, Mouftah Baba-Ahmed, Tajuddeen A Dantata, Chris Umar SAN and Abdullahi Ali Gombe, mni

The establishment of the Tax Reform Committee is a significant step towards addressing the tax challenges facing the region and Nigeria as a whole. 

The committee’s recommendations are expected to contribute to developing a more effective tax system in the country.

By Lydia Usman Maiva

Nigeria’s economic hardship has been a pressing concern for months, which leaves many wondering if the country’s leaders truly grasp the severity of the situation.

Millions of Nigerians struggle to put food on their table, while leaders indulge in luxury. This does nothing except exposing the contrast between the haves and have-nots.

The country’s economic downturn has far-reaching consequences, and it has affected education, healthcare, and overall well-being. 

Citizens are forced to make difficult choices between paying bills or accessing essential services. The soaring cost of living, coupled with dwindling purchasing power, has made everyday life daunting for many.

Families face impossible choices between basic necessities, and leaders’ opulence exacerbates this disconnect. This raises questions about the government’s priorities and commitment to alleviating suffering. 

The impact on citizens is dire, with many resorting to buying half portions of items due to high costs. The struggle to afford three square meals has become a harsh reality for numerous households.

Experts predict that Nigeria’s economy will continue to face pressures, including potential shocks from economic and environmental trends. 

To address these challenges, policymakers must consider key areas for intervention, such as tackling unemployment through targeted interventions focusing on job creation, skills development, and entrepreneurship in sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, technology, and renewable energy.

Additionally, promoting inclusive economic growth by prioritising social safety nets, access to quality education and healthcare, and empowerment of marginalised communities is crucial. 

Strengthening security through comprehensive approaches integrating law enforcement, intelligence, community engagement, and regional cooperation to address insecurity is also essential.

The World Bank recommends policy options to reduce inflation, protect the poor and vulnerable, and support economic recovery. 

By addressing these challenges, Nigeria can work towards a more sustainable and equitable economic future. Nigerians demand empathy, accountability, and tangible solutions to address the economic downturn.

The future hangs in the balance, and leaders must rise to the challenge, demonstrating genuine concern for citizens’ welfare. Luxury enjoyed by leaders is a slap in the face to those struggling. 

In a nutshell, I urge President Tinubu, all relevant stakeholders, and our various representatives to join forces and take immediate action to alleviate the debilitating problems afflicting Nigerians. It is unacceptable that a simple three-square meal has become a rarity in many households across the country.

The time for rhetoric is over; Nigerians need tangible solutions, empathy, and accountability from their leaders.

We cannot afford to continue down this path of hardship and inequality; the future of Nigeria depends on it. 

Lydia Usman Maiva is a student in the Department of Mass Communication, University of Maiduguri.

By Uzair Adam

Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has pledged to secure the return of minors from Kano who were arrested and face charges, including arson and treason, at a Federal High Court in Abuja.

The 76 suspects, most of them minors, were detained during the August #EndBadGovernance protests, where incidents of vandalism, confrontations with police, and anti-government chants reportedly occurred.

Tensions ran high during their arraignment as some of the minors reportedly fainted while waiting in the courtroom.

Responding to the incident on his X page, Governor Yusuf stated that he has directed Kano’s attorney-general and justice commissioner to address the situation urgently.

He wrote, “My attention has been drawn to the court appearance of teenagers (some believed to be from Kano) in Abuja. The Commissioner of Justice has been instructed to act immediately on the issue. We shall do everything possible to get them back to Kano, in sha Allah.”

By Anwar Usman

A meeting between the Northern Governors Forum and Northern Traditional Rulers Council is currently ongoing in Kaduna hoping to tackle the region’s pressing security and developmental challenges.

In attendance at the meeting which took place at the state government House, were Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa.

While welcoming his colleagues, the Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum, Muhammadu Yahaya, called for collective action to tackle challenges bedevilling the region.

The region is currently battling with insecurity, economic hardship, environmental degradation, and youth restiveness.

Yahaya emphasized the need for collective action, stating, “Our collective resolve is being tested by the ongoing challenges that we face. However, our unity and commitment to the prosperity of the people remain our greatest source of strength that will enable us to overcome those challenges.”

The governor also acknowledged these challenges, saying, “Terrorism, banditry, kidnap-for-ransom, farmer-herder clashes, drug abuse, the menace of Almajiri and out-of-school children, poverty, and unemployment. We must continue to work with the Federal Government and relevant agencies to provide the necessary support and relief to those affected.”

To tackle these challenges, the governors proposed various ways including “sustaining gains against criminals, studying and implementing the Coalition of Northern Group’s Security Committee report, and engaging with security agencies and civil society groups.

“Investing in education, skills development, and job creation; supporting small and medium enterprises; and attracting investment to northern states; as well providing support to farmers, ensuring rural security, and promoting agro-allied industries.

“Partnering with the Federal Government and stakeholders to build irrigation infrastructure and promote sustainable practices.”

In his remarks earlier, Kaduna Governor and chief host, Senator Uba Sani, while welcoming his colleagues and traditional rulers in the region as well as the Chief of Defence, General Christopher Musa, emphasised unity and collective action against regional challenges.

Sani, also acknowledged the northern Governors’ commitment to peaceful coexistence and shared prosperity, urging that “We must work together to realize our vision of a secure, peaceful, and prosperous North.”

The Governor commended President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to combat insecurity, citing the establishment of a Joint Military Command and Operation Fansan Yamma as clear demonstrations of the Federal Government’s commitment.

Ismail Hashim Abubakar

In a previous article published by The Daily Reality on October 06 (Why All Patriotic Must Support The Youth Movement), I stress the significance of supporting the emerging youth movement as a necessary political option left for Nigerians. I strongly recommend that Nigerian citizens should, in their entirety, support and align themselves with the struggle. This is becoming necessary as the masses are increasingly getting disappointed with the present administration’s policies headed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, but also sceptical of the democratic culture practised in Nigeria since the return of civilian politics in 1999.

In the present essay, I specifically address the youth movement’s founders and offer some points I hope they may consider valuable and worthy of reflection.

I begin by calling on the movement to intensify its efforts to sell out this ideology through massive advocacy, comprehensive sensitization, and awareness campaigns that go beyond social media and cyberspace and extend to what will be akin to door-to-door community tours embarked upon by field staff of polio immunization and vaccination programs.

Interestingly, the founders of this struggle have made it clear right from the onset that once one is a Nigerian and is mainly concerned with the plight of his fellow compatriots, they are automatically a member of the movement, and it is left for him to see in what ways or capacities could they contribute in the struggle. This means that with the exception of some politicians, especially the ruling class at various state and national levels and possibly their blind cronies and biased allies from all sectors and constituencies, all Nigerians are now or should be, by default, adherents and promoters of this movement.

Moreover, in the process of mass mobilization, it seems that people are to be made fully aware that this movement is purely a self-rescuing mission and a liberation effort. It is not a venture that one can invest financially in the typical fashion of Nigerian politics, aiming to reap personal benefits after an election victory. It is neither a soft machine nor a cheap ride on whose back one can mount and easily grab power. It promotes selfishness and displays arrogant romance with authority and privileges invested in public office holders. It is instead a clarion call for those who are willing to put a stop to a dangerous political trend which, if allowed to go unmitigated, will deprive the posterity – the future citizens of this nation – of the residual right to live, breathe and move about freely in their land.

It remains a question, I am sure, with youth leaders to deliberate on whether the struggle will adopt one of the existing political parties or push to create a new, special party, with mainstream party structures from grassroots to higher levels, which will identify with the cause of youth as movers and engines that steer and spearhead the liberation struggle. One of the possible effective platforms to gauge the movement’s strength may be adopting an existing party or forming a new party that will field candidates to contest in the 2027 general elections.

However, I also have a firmer belief that this movement should not just be well-conceived and rapidly embraced by the masses but only have a brief influence that will wane and fizzle out quickly. This is very possible when things are hastily done, especially if the ideology of the struggle is not yet fully understood and inculcated in the minds of the majority of Nigerians. I am sure the brains behind this nascent movement are aware of the inevitable possibility of corrupt politicians hijacking the likely fruit-yielding struggle or covertly infiltrating it to impede and sabotage its progress. I am also conscious that pioneers of this struggle are erecting insurmountable forts that will resist all forms of internal and external intimidations and temptations.

Meanwhile, I strongly recommend that while the leadership of this struggle continues to enlighten Nigerians and encourage them to embrace its ideologies and identify with and support its cause, the forthcoming 2027 elections may be utilized as an experimental ground to test the public understanding and acceptance of its mission, but which should be done on a purely nonpartisan basis. By this, I mean that the movement shall publicize its aims, objectives, principles, and priorities and open its doors to every politician willing to contest for an elective post.

The politician must be ready to comply with all the movement’s missions and can ultimately work towards ensuring that it realizes its vision of creating an egalitarian society in which a poor man will have a say in how he is governed and his social, educational, and economic rights, which guarantee his healthy and meaningful survival, are protected.

Any politician who is set to promote these values and can sincerely commit himself to these ideals and sacrifice the last drop of blood in him is eligible and can present himself to the movement for support. A contract agreement of a promissory note shall be written and documented by the movement on behalf of Nigeria’s populace, which employs such politicians through an electoral process. The agreement must explicitly state that if the politician breaches any terms after being elected, he may be liable for prosecution, besides public wrath that drastically affects his future political ambitions.

The movement has to work assiduously to screen willing contestants without any prejudice to the party on whose platforms they contest. After that, it will make the public fully aware of the agreement it entered with contestants and the detailed clauses and terms contained in the contract, including penalties in case elected officials fail to uphold and keep their campaign promises. 

In this way, the movement will be able to, through the successful candidates whose election it actively supports, infiltrate state and national assemblies, thereby producing determinate, resolute, patriotic, populist and incorruptible legislators who have no business in their legislative chambers than to uphold the rule of law and ensure that executive councils implement policies and execute programs and projects that positively serve Nigerians. This means that a massive reform and nonviolent political revolution can be prosecuted mildly as the youth movement succeeds in hijacking and dominating the second arm of government, thus reviving the constitutional roles and responsibilities legislative assemblies are expected to discharge rather than becoming appendages of the executives. If this mission triumphs, it will expose the opportunist camp among politicians who will hopefully be rendered a minority and target of the electoral wrath of Nigerian citizens.

If the mission of the youth movement is fully understood and wholly embraced by the majority of Nigerians, particularly if it becomes the only most guaranteed and safest winning platform during elections but also an unprecedented movement that liberates ordinary Nigerians, its ideals and objectives will permeate the ranks of the executive and be easily upheld by various types of people in every sector including royal and traditional societies, technocrats, civil servants, members of the academia, legal industry, private and group entities.

Ironically, this may be the trial stage in the display of commitment and maintenance of integrity and principles needed. Scaling through this situation will be a grand marker of a democratic triumph that will go down in history as one of the greatest and most progressively fruitful political revolutions to have been demonstrated by the “Giant of Africa” throughout the region’s postcolonial period. 

A sizable number of Nigerians among ordinary citizens, religious scholars, politicians, academics and intellectuals, journalists, community leaders, public office holders, businessmen, retired military officers, human rights activists, private organizations and all kinds of people within the civil society who are equally worried over Nigeria’s situation and are especially concerned with the plight of the masses and will be much willing to bring their wealth of experience and expertise to promote the cause of this struggle. I do not doubt that the founders of this movement are aware of them, and I am optimistic that the youth movement will carry them along without regard for their age or social status.

Ismail writes from the Advancing Education and Research Center (Rabat) and is reachable via ismailiiit18@gmail.com.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

BUA Group, led by Chairman Abdul Samad Rabiu, has responded to President Bola Tinubu’s call for private sector support by donating N2 billion to aid victims of the devastating floods in Maiduguri, Borno State.

This generous donation reflects the company’s commitment to supporting Nigerians in times of need. 

The recent flooding in Maiduguri has caused immense hardship for thousands of families, prompting BUA Group to act swiftly. Rabiu emphasized, “As an organisation deeply rooted in Nigerian society, we believe it is our responsibility to provide relief to those affected.” 

The donation comprises N1 billion in cash and N1 billion worth of essential food supplies, including flour, pasta, sugar, rice, and other vital commodities.

These items will be distributed to the hardest-hit areas to provide immediate relief.

The N1 billion cash donation was presented to the state government to ensure aid reaches those in need quickly. 

The Abdulsamad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa), under BUA Group, will continue to monitor the situation and provide necessary resources to help Maiduguri’s residents recover and rebuild.

Rabiu urged other corporate organisations and individuals to join the effort, saying, “Our thoughts are with the affected families and individuals. As we extend our support, we seek to restore hope and rebuild lives.”