By Muhammad Mamman
At a significant two-day summit held at Arewa House in Kaduna, northern leaders convened to evaluate President Tinubu’s administration. Organised by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation, the event themed “Assessing Electoral Promises: Fostering Government-Citizens’ Engagement for National Unity” saw attendance from current and former governors, ministers, security chiefs, and traditional leaders.
The summit revealed a divide in opinions. Bashir Dalhatu, Chairman of the Arewa Consultative Forum’s Board of Trustees, criticised the government for neglecting the North, citing disproportionate budget allocations. He noted that only N24 billion of the N1.013 trillion road budget was allocated to the North-east, compared to N1.394 trillion for the South-west. Dalhatu also highlighted inadequate agricultural funding and urged completion of key projects like the Mambilla Hydroelectric Dam.
In defence, Kaduna Governor Uba Sani and Gombe’s Inuwa Yahaya emphasised Tinubu’s commitment to security, agriculture, and education. National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu detailed successes in combating banditry, noting safer travel on major highways. Health Minister Ali Pate reported N20 billion invested in over 4,000 primary health centres across the North, alongside 274 completed tertiary hospital projects.
Vice President Kashim Shettima’s representative and Minister of Budget Atiku Bagudu underscored the administration’s inclusive policies. Despite achievements, debates highlighted ongoing challenges, with calls for greater equity and infrastructure development in the North.
