By DSP.Abdullahi Al-Assad Umar Ladan Spy (Rtd)
THE recent directive by the Federal Government to ministers from Northern Nigeria to defend the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has raised significant concerns among the people of the 19 Northern states.
The question on the lips of every Northerner is: which of these ministers has the moral standing to face the people and defend the current leadership amidst the overwhelming challenges facing the nation?
Can any of these ministers, in good conscience, look the people in the eye and claim that the current administration has been a blessing to the North?
Can any of them convincingly argue that the hardships faced by ordinary Nigerians are mere illusions?
Can they tell us that black is white, or that the price of petrol has magically reversed from over ₦1200 per litre to ₦250?
Can they explain why a bag of rice, which once sold for ₦35,000, now costs as much as ₦100,000?
Can they justify why school fees have skyrocketed from ₦15,000 to ₦50,000, or why transport fares from Kaduna to Abuja have doubled from ₦4,000 to ₦9,000?
Can they rationalise why electricity bills have jumped from ₦5,000 to ₦30,000, despite the persistent lack of power supply?
The reality is that the people of Northern Nigeria are suffering under the weight of these economic hardships, and no amount of political rhetoric can erase the pain and frustration they feel daily.
The current leadership has been accused of presiding over one of the most corrupt administrations in Africa, and the people of the North are not blind to these realities.
They see the nepotism in appointments, where 80% of key positions have been handed to individuals from the South-West, sidelining qualified Northerners.
They hear the dismissive remarks made to their elders, suggesting that the President owes no one an explanation for his actions because he “paid for his elections.”
The people of Northern Nigeria are not fools. They will not be swayed by empty words or hollow defences from ministers who are more interested in preserving their positions than in addressing the real issues affecting their constituents.
The Northern masses are demanding accountability, transparency, and fairness in governance.
They want to see concrete actions to address the rising cost of living, the insecurity plaguing the region, and the blatant marginalization in political appointments.
To the ministers from the North, we say this: Do not insult the intelligence of your people by attempting to defend the indefensible.
Instead, use your positions to advocate for the interests of the North and to push for policies that will alleviate the suffering of the masses.
The people of Northern Nigeria are watching, and they will not be silenced or placated by empty promises or political grandstanding.
To put it plainly, the ministers from the 19 states of the North are not our representatives; they are merely servants of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership.
But, by Allah’s will and guidance, come 2027, Northern Nigeria will rise and ensure justice for all Nigerian citizens across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
We are already sending our prayers to Almighty Allah. To our people, we say: remain steadfast, confident, and assured that their time is over.
We are simply waiting for the election period.
Starvation, insecurity, excessive taxation, and the lack of good and balanced leadership, as well as biases, will not be forgotten.
In conclusion, the Federal Government and its appointees must understand that the people of Northern Nigeria are not interested in propaganda or political spin. They want results. They want leaders who will prioritise their welfare and work tirelessly to address the challenges they face.
Until then, no amount of marching orders or rehearsed defences will convince them that this administration has their best interests at heart.
Our new, exemplary democratic president is on the horizon, and by the will of Allah, he will emerge.
In some states, we will vote based on tangible issues like rice and beans. We hope you understand the message.
Signed,
DSP.Abdullahi Al-Assad Umar Ladan Spy Rtd
Chairman Arewa Integrity Groups (0806 561 6560).
Eighteen-Eleven Media