Former Niger State Governor and Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation, Dr. Mu'azu Aliyu, has attributed Northern Nigeria's persistent challenges to elite complacency, institutional neglect, and decades of misguided policy choices that predate the current administration.
Speaking at the opening of a two-day Interactive Session on Government-Citizens' Engagement held at the Arewa House in Kaduna, Aliyu emphasized that while the Tinubu administration inherited many of the region's problems, Northern political and intellectual elites must accept significant responsibility.
"Our problems didn't start today, and they weren't caused solely by this government. Many of us who watched and did nothing must also bear the blame. We failed to act when it mattered most," he stated.
BenriNews reports that the engagement, convened by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation, builds on its 2022 meeting with presidential candidates and aims to deepen inclusive governance through structured dialogue between policymakers and citizens across Northern Nigeria.
Critical Challenges Facing Northern Nigeria
Aliyu identified several pressing issues confronting the region, including insurgency, banditry, poverty, the growing number of out-of-school children, porous borders, and youth unemployment. He warned that the widening disconnect between governments and citizens is fueling mistrust, misinformation, and public frustration.
The former Niger governor advocated for institutionalized town hall-style meetings nationwide, citing successful global examples where such civic engagement has positively shaped policy and strengthened democratic processes.
He further reaffirmed the foundation's non-partisan stance, emphasizing its commitment to promoting leadership rooted in justice, equity, and good governance principles that align with the legacy of Sir Ahmadu Bello.
The interactive session represents a significant step toward addressing the governance challenges in Northern Nigeria through constructive dialogue and collaborative problem-solving between government officials and citizens.
Stay updated with the latest news on Northern Nigeria's development by following BenriNews on social media: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, WhatsApp, and Telegram.
