No, Kwankwaso – Tinubu Has Not Abandoned the North

**By Otunba (Dr.) Abdulfalil Abayomi Odunowo**  

National Chairman, Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu Support Group (AATSG)

When Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the former Governor of Kano State and the 2023 presidential candidate of the NNPP, asserted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is neglecting northern Nigeria in favor of the South, one couldn’t help but be taken aback. It raises an essential question: On what basis does this serious accusation stand?

In a recent stakeholder dialogue in Kano, Kwankwaso lamented that the national budget is “tilting in one direction” and criticized the Tinubu administration for focusing federal resources on southern Nigeria. He pointed to the persistent issues of insecurity, poverty, and inadequate infrastructure as evidence of governmental neglect towards the North. But let’s scrutinize these assertions not through subjective lenses but grounded in tangible facts related to budgetary allocations, project execution, and broader development indices.

**The Reality of Federal Infrastructure Spending: A Balanced Approach**

Beneath the surface of Kwankwaso’s claims lies the 2024 federal budget, which presents a narrative diametrically opposed to his assertions. Northern Nigeria is not only included; it stands as a focal point for numerous large-scale infrastructure and agricultural initiatives. 

Take for example several significant projects:

- **Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano Expressway:** This gargantuan initiative, valued at over ₦850 billion, is currently in motion, being executed by the reputable construction firm, Julius Berger, and stands to transform transportation in the region.

- **Kano–Katsina–Jibia–Maradi Railway:** This transnational railway project is pivotal not only for economic growth but serves crucial security interests.

- **Road Infrastructure in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa:** The ongoing rehabilitation of critical roadways under federal highway programs reflects a commitment to revitalize this key area.

- **Dams and Irrigation Projects in Sokoto, Jigawa, and Benue:** Spearheaded by the River Basin Development Agencies, these projects bolster food security in northern Nigeria, showcasing the government’s acknowledgment of the region’s agricultural importance.

These initiatives are far from symbolic — they represent multi-billion-naira investments aimed at the economic resurgence of the North.

**Addressing Security and Agriculture: Northern Nigeria Benefits First**

While Kwankwaso rightly points out challenges of poverty and insecurity in northern Nigeria, it is vital to contextualize these issues; they are not new and have persisted through many administrations, including that of Kwankwaso's own political family. The pressing matter is what the current government, under Tinubu, is effecting to combat these challenges:

- **Enhanced Security Operations:** Under Tinubu, military operations in the North-East and North-West have been intensified. Notable operations such as Hadin Kai in Borno and Yobe, and Whirl Punch in Kaduna and Niger, reflect a concentrated military investment in the region.

- **Agricultural Initiatives:** The government’s Dry Season Farming initiative in Jigawa has already positively impacted thousands of northern farmers through subsidies, mechanization, and irrigation support.

- **Investments in Housing:** The Renewed Hope Housing Scheme, which is developing the first 20,000 homes, prioritizes states in the North such as Kano, Katsina, Gombe, and Niger ahead of many southern states.

Is this what abandonment looks like?

**Political Appointments: Northern Representation in Strategic Roles**

Senator Kwankwaso also alleges that power remains concentrated in the South. However, a look at Tinubu's cabinet and significant national security appointments reveals the rhetoric lacks substance:

- **National Security Adviser:** Nuhu Ribadu (Adamawa)

- **Minister of Defence:** Muhammad Badaru (Jigawa)

- **Minister of Budget and Economic Planning:** Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi)

- **Minister of Education:** Tahir Mamman (Adamawa)

- **Minister of Health:** Prof. Ali Pate (Bauchi)

- **Minister of Agriculture:** Abubakar Kyari (Borno)

- **Chief of Defence Staff:** General Christopher Musa (Kaduna)

These appointments aren’t mere tokens; they are strategically positioned roles essential in shaping Nigeria’s national trajectory, solidly placing the North within the corridor of power.

**Let’s Not Rewrite the Story**

While Senator Kwankwaso is a distinguished northern leader, he finds himself part of a political history that has significantly influenced Nigeria, including periods of deepening insecurity and poverty over the last decade. Now is the time for constructive support towards President Tinubu's agenda, which aims to lay the foundation for genuine restructuring and equitable national development.

**The Way Forward: Building a United Nigeria**

It is imperative that we as Nigerians champion a cohesive narrative built upon fairness and fact-based dialogue, rather than one rooted in divisiveness or fear-mongering. President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda transcends regional lines; it is national in scope and inclusive in nature.

Northern Nigeria is not merely an afterthought. It is actively prioritized, backed by real, tangible investments. To build a Nigeria that truly embodies unity and progress, we must resist the temptation to weaponize geography for political ends. Leaders, especially those who seek sustained national relevance, must choose facts over fear. 

let us not fall prey to political opportunism that seeks to distort realities. Together, we can affirm that northern Nigeria is very much at the heart of President Tinubu's ambitions for a reformed and thriving Nigeria.

**Signed**

Otunba (Dr.) Abdulfalil Abayomi Odunowo is the National Chairman of the Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu Support Group (AATSG), and a development advocate.