By: Daure David
In the wake of Bola Tinubu’s ascendancy to the presidency, many Northerners hoped for a government that would unite the country and foster inclusivity. But as time has passed, it has become increasingly apparent that Tinubu’s policies and actions reflect a deep-seated animosity toward the North. What was once dismissed as political rhetoric or hyperbole has now morphed into a chilling reality that we cannot afford to ignore. His agenda, it seems, is anything but favorable for the North.
To fully understand the scope of this betrayal, it is crucial to remember that Tinubu has a history that should have raised red flags for the Northern populace. Back in the 1990s, while serving as a senator, he made it clear that he did not believe in a united Nigeria. This rhetoric was dismissed as mere political posturing, with many of us assuming it was aimed at securing the loyalty of his Southwestern base. However, his recent actions tell a different story—one of division, marginalization, and even disdain for the North.
One of the most unsettling chapters of his history was during his tenure as Governor of Lagos State. The Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), a militia reportedly supported by Tinubu, wreaked havoc on Northerners living in Lagos, forcing many of us to flee the state. Violence erupted, with numerous deaths and injuries, yet this dark episode was largely buried by the media. Respectable Northern clerics even cursed him for his role in the crisis, but these voices were conveniently silenced or dismissed. Many of us, including young Northerners, were unaware of this troubling chapter until after we cast our support for him in the 2023 presidential election.
As the dust settled and Tinubu assumed office, his disdain for the North became all the more evident. Appointments to key government positions have been notably lopsided, with qualified individuals from the South occupying influential roles, while the North has been relegated to mediocre positions. This isn’t just a matter of poor decision-making—it is a deliberate effort to weaken and undermine the North’s influence in the federal government.
Beyond appointments, Tinubu has demonstrated a strategic effort to divide the North. The emergence of the so-called “Middle Belt” narrative is no accident. It is a concerted effort, backed by outside forces, to sow division and fracture the unity of the Northern region. This divisive agenda is being financed and orchestrated with the goal of weakening the North politically and socially.
Furthermore, the relocation of federal agencies to Lagos under the guise of improving functionality raises serious concerns. Federal funds are being channeled into Lagos, transforming it into the heart of the nation’s political and economic machinery. Some whispers even suggest that there are plans to move the capital from Abuja to Lagos, a development that, if realized, would further marginalize the North and solidify Tinubu’s control over the country.
The recent outcry after the killings in Uromi, which called for the expulsion of Northerners from the South, is another troubling sign. This is no coincidence; it is part of a broader, coordinated effort to scapegoat and alienate the North. The way Northern issues are being handled and the growing anti-North sentiment in the media are all part of a larger agenda to stoke division and unrest.
What’s even more alarming is the treatment of Northern youth. Take the case of the 71 children from Kano who were arrested and held for nearly 100 days in Kuje prison for protesting hunger. These children were vilified, branded as terrorists by the same media that once supported Tinubu’s campaign. When we dared to speak out on their behalf, we were labeled as hypocrites and traitors. This is not an isolated incident but part of a larger strategy to delegitimize the North and its people.
The truth is undeniable: Tinubu’s actions are not those of a leader committed to unity. His policies, appointments, and rhetoric are aimed at weakening the North and furthering a divisive agenda. The time has come for the North to recognize the reality of the situation. We cannot afford to remain divided, complacent, or uninformed about the true nature of this administration. The evidence is there, in his actions, in the policies being implemented, and in the voices he empowers.
Northern Nigeria, it is time to wake up. The threats to our unity, our well-being, and our place in this country are growing. We cannot afford to stay silent any longer. It is time to stand together, to demand fairness, and to confront the forces that seek to undermine the North. Only then can we begin to rebuild the unity and strength that has always been the backbone of our region.
The North must not let itself be silenced. It is time to fight back—for our future, for our dignity, and for the generations to come.
