Politics

How Northern Leaders in Tinubu’s Administration are Reduced to Mere Supporters – Salihu Lukman

Published by Tope Fakinlede on July 2nd, 2024.

How Northern Leaders in Tinubu’s Administration are Reduced to Mere Supporters – Salihu Lukman

Salihu Lukman, a former National Vice Chairman, North-west of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has criticized Northern politicians in President Bola Tinubu’s government.

Lukman, who recently left the APC, stated that politicians from the north have become like a “choir group poorly singing ‘on your mandate we stand’ despite the shaky reality being displayed by the mandate holder.”

He believes that Northern political leaders missed their chance to restore rational governance and effective leadership in the region during former President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure.

In a statement titled ‘Explosive North: Open Letter to Northern Politicians,’ which he personally signed, Lukman warned that the situation in the North is deteriorating. He cautioned that if action is not taken soon, desperate and hungry people might begin looting homes and properties.

Lukman’s statement said: “One year into President Asiwaju Tinubu’s administration, Northern political leaders are increasingly weaker and more disorganized. Even Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima GCON, the highest-ranking official from the North, has failed to provide the necessary leadership.

“Hardly any official from the North in the current administration, including Sen. Shettima, is willing or able to defend the North’s interests. Unfortunately, most Northern leaders seem more focused on self-preservation within the government.

“Due to self-preservation, preparations for the 2027 elections have already begun. Within the Presidency, there are signs of internal conflicts and positioning, allegedly causing Vice President Shettima’s praise-singing behavior. The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mal. Nuhu Ribadu, has reduced his prestigious office almost to a mere Protocol Office for President Tinubu.

“Almost all other Northern politicians in the government, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume, are absentee public servants who have been reduced to mere choir members singing ‘on your mandate we stand’ despite the poor service delivery and worsening living conditions of the past year.”