NORTHERN NIGERIA: WHAT REALLY WENT WRONG?

Since the amalgamation of Nigeria in 1914, the prospects of northern Nigeria seemed promising in comparison to other regions. Though limited in western literacy, northern Nigeria was already at that time, vast in both Arabic and Islamic studies. The first prime minister will eventually, turn out to be a northerner and in due course, many leaders will also emerge from the same region.

What’s more, the richest man in Africa and also, the richest black person in the world is an indigene of Kano state, northern Nigeria; also, with Nigeria’s North (719,000 Sq. km), the then region stands to occupy 80% of Nigeria’s landmass in size, (four times larger than the south in size); it should not be quickly forgotten that when there was no crude oil the north contributed immensely to the nation, from the Kano groundnut pyramid; Benue/Plateau yam exports; Kebbi and Nassarawa rice plantations; Kaduna Grain Mills; Plateau state Vegetations.

The current population of Nigeria, which is over 202,867,836 as of Thursday, November 14, 2019, based on Worldometers elaboration of the latest United Nations data is 65% covered by the northern Nigerian population.

Furthermore, it should also be noted that out of the 36 governors in Nigeria, 19 are from the north, which is more than half of the entire number (with all, independent annual allocations). The north also has a massive representation with 54 senators representing the region out of the total 109 senators. The question now is: will the north ever know peace again- few extremely rich and majority very poor; is restoring the North’s lost glory even possible? Nevertheless, with all these mounting facts, and the north’s good nature, why is it then impoverish, deprived and backward? Having the poorest of states in it, with threats of security, underdevelopment, and massive unemployment hovering over it, it is a shame and a big an irony, that the giant has fallen. These may remain rhetorical, but when questions are raised it shows an awareness of the situation.

Since 1999 northern Nigeria has endured so much economic setback/woes, and in recent times, banditry, cattle rustling, kidnappings, resulting in an alarming increase in poverty. Sectors such as education, health, electricity, manufacturing, and agriculture have woefully failed. Year in year out, political party’s manifesto and campaign promises have remained empty rhetoric in northern Nigeria, with little equity to show for it. Nevertheless, taking into cognizance the federal government’s allocations to the northern States in billions, the region is still building roads, and still constructing culverts till this moment, are they building roads to heaven, even if so, they should at least be done by now.

So the big question now is: What went wrong? Will the north ever know peace again; few extremely rich and the majority very poor? And is restoring the Northern lost glory even possible? Who should answer the call, the leaders, or the followers? At some point, someone is required to answer the call and take on responsibility. Thus, our leaders, who are the grand movers and influencers of change, should be bold enough to restore the value of integrity in the region, so that the people can have prosperity and growth they clamor for. And yes it is possible but only if the northern influential will lay down a growth plan for the region, have a new leadership mindset, and get things going, because at this point the north needs verbs not a bunch of empty nouns.

THERE ARE PAIN AND HUMILIATION IN NORTHERN NIGERIA AND IF THESE CAUSES OF SORENESS ARE LEFT UNCHECKED, IF SOLUTIONS ARE NOT MADE AVAILABLE, THE REGION, IN A FEW YEARS TO COME WILL BECOME UNGOVERNABLE AND UNINHABITABLE; IF WE ALLOW THIS ANGER TO BURST OUT, WE ALL WILL BE UNABLE TO CONTROL IT.

Hence, it is time the leaders define what democracy really is; it is time northern leaders unite and give its people a stable society. A society where things work, where dreams are visualized and realized, that’s the north, the north deserves. In general, Northern Nigeria with a moving mechanism, where mineral resources are put to use, to benefit the entire people and the rest of the world at large. Furthermore, people need access to good health care, they necessitate for drugs in their hospitals, good education, their young men and women want an enabling situation where they can be innovative and creative. Thus create these opportunities and once again put the north to work. This is the 21st century and no one needs bandits and rogues; what people need are scientists, architects, and CEOs of companies.