Tanko’s wake up call to Northern leaders

The Chairman, Board of Trustees
Arewa Community Forum Lagos
Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Tanko has counseled northern leaders and politicians to take the interest of evolving a stronger northern Nigeria mpre seriously for the good of all.

In his new year message, Tanko gave a trajectory of past northern heroes who gave their all to forge a great human capital and economically enabled people, while charging contemporary leaders in the north to toe the path of dignity by reengineering positive development.

The message reads; “We respectfully and of course ironically extend ” big thanks” to the current Nigerian politicians and leaders for their role in weakening regional stability, stifling progress, and making Nigeria a target for foreign intervention, notably from the USA, which has designated it a “Country of Particular Concern.”

“This situation starkly contrasts the country’s past at independence, when an economy based on agriculture was stable, and leaders focused on nation-building and social justice.

“The leaders of that era were completely selfless, deeply committed to nation-building, equity, and social justice.

“They were patriots in the true sense of the word.In Northern Nigeria, Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto, played a crutial and pivotal role in advancing education for the underprivileged by establishing schools, training institutions, and scholarship programs.

“He aimed for inclusive development through initiatives like the Northern Nigeria Development Corporation (NNDC), emphasizing that progress cannot be achieved by neglecting the poor or denying children education.

“Other prominent leaders, including Sir Kashim Ibrahim, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, and Mallam Aminu Kano, alongside Bello, shared a commitment to social justice and mass education, governing with a sense of responsibility towards the common citizen rather than personal ambition.

Tanko blamed the failure of erstwhile functional systems in the nation on selfish leaders, whose greed and avarice beclouded mien led to retrogression of the north, making it struggle for relevance on the ethnic table.

“Today, various sectors of the economy have collapsed, leaving millions of children without access to quality education and jobs.

“Many have resorted to the streets, with some being labeled as terrorists due to circumstances beyond their control, resulting in tragic losses among innocent citizens.

“This situation stems from long-term neglect, as developmental resources were misappropriated to support criminal activities and political agendas, while essential public services like schools and hospitals were neglected.

“As a result, resources that should have aided communities are now contested and exploited by outsiders.

“Leaders misallocated resources from oil concessions, neglecting community development in favor of personal luxury and overseas investments.

“This negligence led to societal failures, including abandoned children and entrenched poverty.

“While these leaders provide elite education for their own children abroad, they exploit uneducated youths for political gain, perpetuating a cycle of subjugation and hopelessness through recycled leadership.

“Due to pervasive insecurity, our region is focused solely on survival, hindering the region growth and development whilst while other regions focused on growth and development. Insecurity is seen as a means to suppress progress, leading to a belief among jobless youth that their futures are bleak.

“This situation will be remembered historically, and a higher judgment awaits those in power.

“And above all, Allah will judge us all on the Day of Judgment, when power, wealth, and influence will no longer avail anyone.

“This message is not born out of hatred, but out of accountability, conscience, and love for our people.

“The message actually conveys accountability, justice and love for the people.” Tanko said.