Former Senator Shehu Sani , who represented Kaduna Central at the 8th Senate, has delivered a scathing critique of past Northern leaders , accusing them of squandering opportunities to transform the region into a socioeconomic paradise during their time in power.
Speaking during a press briefing at his residence in Kaduna on Monday, Sani—who is also a renowned human rights activist—did not name specific individuals but referred to certain Northern politicians excluded from the current administration , whom he accused of fueling unrest and inciting the public against President Bola Tinubu’s government .
A Call for Gratitude and Unity
Despite his criticisms, Sani acknowledged the progress made under President Tinubu’s administration , especially in the North , and urged citizens to show appreciation rather than engage in tribal or political agitation.
“For those of us from this part [the North], we appreciate the progress made so far by this present government,” Sani stated. “Those who had the opportunity to do better in the past and failed should apologize for the wrong they have done to the people of the North.”
He further emphasized that northerners should not be misled into opposing a government that is delivering tangible results, especially compared to previous administrations led by their own regional kin.
Equity, Fairness, and Political Rotation
Sani highlighted the importance of political balance , noting that the Northwest has produced two presidents since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999—Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and Muhammadu Buhari —and called for fairness in future political arrangements.
“Since the Southwest supported the North during Buhari’s administration without creating serious opposition, it is only logical that the South be allowed to complete its eight years in power for the sake of peace, unity, and democratic stability,” he said.
According to Sani, any future opposition candidate should come from the Southwest to maintain equity and promote national cohesion.
Accountability for Past Failures
One of the most compelling aspects of Sani’s speech was his indictment of past Northern-led administrations , which he argued failed to address critical issues like insecurity , banditry , and poor governance.
He pointed out that under the previous administration, key security institutions were headed by Northerners , yet terrorism, kidnapping, and killings persisted across the North and North-Central regions.
“The insecurity in the North is not yet over,” Sani admitted. “Bandits are still killing and kidnapping in Katsina and Zamfara. But if we compare where we are now to where we were before, things are relatively better.”
He specifically praised the efforts of the current Chief of Defence Staff , a Northerner, for restoring relative calm along the dangerous Birnin Gwari road in southern Kaduna—a route previously plagued by bandits for nearly a decade.
Progress Worth Supporting
Sani also commended the current administration for infrastructural development in the North, including the establishment of a new medical center , the expansion of the Federal University in Southern Kaduna , and increased funding for road projects between Kaduna and Abuja .
However, he urged President Tinubu to intensify efforts in addressing ongoing challenges in the region and to respond appropriately to false narratives while remaining open to constructive criticism.
“We demand more development, but we also recognize what has been done. For those of us in the North, we must be grateful for the progress being made and stop listening to divisive voices,” he concluded.
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