Northern leaders task FG, States to see Protest as a challenge

A group of influential political figures, Top politicians and technocrats from the northern part of the country on Tuesday met at Musa Yar’adua Center, Abuja, to deliberate on the issues bedevilling the country and has launched the League of Northern Democrats (LND), to revitalise the region’s leadership, political and economic status.

The LND announced its plans to hold a strategic summit aimed at uniting and re-establishing the North as a dominant force in the development of Northern Nigeria, stressing that it is not aligned with any individual’s interests

Senator Shekarau

A former Kano State governor, Ibrahim Shekarau, has been appointed as the interim chairman of the 226-member group, which includes ex-governors, federal lawmakers, and prominent businessmen. The group’s convener is Umar Ardo, while Emmanuel Jime serves as the interim secretary.

Other leading figures include Tanko Yakasai, Senator Ibrahim Ida (Wazirin Katsina), Kabir Tafida (Sarki Fadan Sokoto), Falalu Bello, Jamilu Isyaka Gwamna (Sardauna Gombe), and Mohammed Kumalia.

In addition are Malam Salihu Lukman, Usman Sarki, Engr. Dallaji Noah, Usman Yusuf, Muktari Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Aminu Shehu Shagari, and Sen. Murtala Shehu Yar’adua (Tafidan Katsina), among others.

After the meeting at the Yar’adua Centre in Abuja, a communique was issues by the group issued highlighting its commitment to Northern Nigeria’s political unity.

The LND expressed its plan to reach out to other stakeholders across the North, including former Heads of State, Vice Presidents, Senate Presidents, Speakers of the House of Representatives, Chief Justices, and other key figures in the region.

Part of the communique reads, “The LND resolved to prioritise the political unity of Northern Nigeria.

“Recognising the diverse backgrounds and experiences within our ranks, we are committed to fostering a strong sense of community and solidarity. This unity will be the foundation for our efforts to reposition the North, as a leading force in Nigeria’s political landscape.”

It also tasked the three tiers of government to see the last #EndBadGovernance protest as a challenge to do what is right for the people.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Senator Shekarau said the group is committed to the development of the North through enlightenment and seeking good governance which included the setting up of a political committee to produce a document that “we can use to confront anybody seeking our votes that these are the aspirations of our people.”

Shekarau noted that seven committees will be established, saying “the idea is to produce a document that we can confront anybody seeking our votes that these are the aspirations of our people and we want you to assure us that this will be part of your guiding principles.

“It is political, it is not about any person or any political party, and it is not necessarily about 2027. It is an all-time issue. We want to produce a document, which is not about one – year, two-years, 10-years issue.

“Government should see the protest against bad governance as a challenge. What we want to see is action. And it is not about the federal government. We are talking about the state government and local government.”

He further spoke on the need for education and how to address the issue of insecurity, saying that the committee is imperative as “a situation where a chief executive will decide what project to be executed on his own without listening to the people, has to change. We need a group that will liaise with them to remind them of that.”

The Convener, Dr Umar Ardo, said LND is a melting pot of like minds from the North that came together to solve the northern problem.

“We are not worried about appointment, we are worried about problem of insecurity, hunger, starvation, destitution and the economy. appointment will come and go but the important issue is to resolve this issue conclusively.”

This is also as they have proposed a Northern Political Summit in Kaduna, which will serve as a platform for discussing the region’s political future, economic development and security challenges.

“The LND will establish strategic working groups focusing on key areas such as political engagement, economic development, security and social cohesion.

“These groups will be tasked with drafting actionable plans to advance the objectives of the LND and will play a vital role in driving our agenda forward.”