The Arewa Community Forum has sharply criticized Northern leaders, warning of severe consequences both historically and spiritually.
“Insecurity has reduced our region to a daily struggle for survival,” — Dr. Tanko
The Lagos chapter of the Arewa Community Forum issued a scathing New Year's statement, holding Northern Nigerian leaders and elders accountable for what it termed decades of ineffective governance, ethical decline, and a significant betrayal of public confidence.
The forum attributed the escalating insecurity, widespread poverty, and societal breakdown throughout the region directly to the political elite, cautioning that they would eventually be judged by both history and a higher power for the hardships faced by the populace.
In an assertive statement endorsed by its Board of Trustees Chairman, Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Tanko, the Forum sarcastically "thanked" Nigeria's political leadership for their role in the progressive deterioration of regional stability, social unity, and economic prospects. These failures, it noted, have drawn adverse international attention, such as the US classifying Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern.
Dr. Tanko drew a sharp comparison between the current situation and the initial period after independence, reminiscing about a time when Nigeria's economy thrived on agriculture, remained relatively stable, and was led by figures devoted to national development, fairness, and social equity.
He characterized these early leaders as "selfless patriots" whose guiding principles prioritized the welfare of ordinary citizens over individual aspirations.
The Forum underscored Northern Nigeria's history of ethical leadership, citing the impactful work of Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto. His commitment to widespread education, scholarships, and institutional building, exemplified by the Northern Nigeria Development Corporation (NNDC), aimed to uplift the disadvantaged and foster broad-based progress. Figures like Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Sir Kashim Ibrahim, and Mallam Aminu Kano from the same period were also lauded as benchmarks of governance focused on social fairness and public education.
In stark contrast, the statement lamented the current state of Northern Nigeria, describing it as a tragic decline. Whole economic sectors have collapsed, leaving millions of young people without access to adequate education or job opportunities. It further highlighted how many youths are driven to destitution and, at times, falsely branded as terrorists due to factors outside their influence, leading to unnecessary violence and loss of life.
The Forum attributed the crisis to persistent neglect and the intentional misuse of development funds, claiming that money designated for educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and local infrastructure was rerouted to illicit groups, political schemes, and individual extravagance. It also accused the political elite of sending oil profits abroad and educating their children overseas, all while exploiting uneducated local youth as instruments for political maneuvering.
"Insecurity has reduced our region to a struggle for survival," Dr. Tanko stated, expressing his view that this climate has extinguished hope among unemployed young people and impeded development, even as other regions progress. The Forum characterized insecurity as a tool employed to obstruct progress, warning that those accountable would face severe condemnation from history.
Furthermore, Dr. Tanko invoked a spiritual judgment, reminding leaders that final accountability lies with Allah. The statement cautioned, "On the Day of Judgment, power, wealth, and influence will avail no one."
The Arewa Community Forum stressed that its communication was not fueled by animosity but by moral conviction, a sense of responsibility, and genuine care for the people of Northern Nigeria. It urged leaders and elders to seriously reflect, reinstate the principles of justice and public service, and take decisive action to prevent the region from further deterioration.
0 Comments