A child without parental care due to natural reasons such as the loss of parents through death, or social circumstances like abandonment, is considered an orphan. Conversely, parental estrangement happens when a child chooses to distance themselves from their parents, particularly during times when those parents might be requiring support.
The aforementioned comparison effectively illustrates the state of northern Nigeria—the area where many of the nation's prominent individuals were nurtured and developed. Whether in academia, the military, technical fields, or corporate leadership, the roster of notable people from this region is extensive.
Ever since Nigeria came into existence and the original leaders of the regions passed away, the elite class from the north has been capitalizing on the good will of their people, unfortunately often to the detriment of the average person. The key query here is: what benefits does an everyday northerner stand to gain within the framework of Nigeria’s political landscape?
Unfortunately, Arewa is not only an estranged parent, but also a beautiful bride whose chastity is explored, beauty exploited and patience abused by no other than the same circle of political vultures clinging to power at all means.
In each electoral district across the nation, particularly following the restoration of democracy in 1999, the local leadership has consistently put their own interests ahead of those of the community. It stands to reason that fundamental needs specific to this area must be central considerations whenever discussing the direction and success of the region during elections and political shifts. Issues such as security, education, substance abuse, inadequate infrastructure, farming, and electricity supply are undeniable critical concerns facing the area, demanding immediate attention.
For example, regarding education, since 2018, UNESCO has identified this region as having the largest number of out-of-school children within the nation. In relation to security issues, based on information provided by the Nigeria Security Tracker and the Global Terrorism Index, more than two million Nigerians, predominantly from the north, lost their lives due to rampant instability between 2015 and 2024. Additionally, an extra 2,235,954 individuals were abducted, with a cumulative sum of ₦2,231,772,563,507 being paid as ransoms.
On the contrary, a leader from the north presided over the turbulent period marked by an increase in security concerns. Those who claimed to be Arewa representatives fell silent as they were largely shielded and profited from the prevailing conditions. Interestingly, the meticulously planned criminal activities targeting this area did not originate with contemporary regional advocates—the political class. The "North" serves as a fertile ground for politics. Political elites here manipulate the situation for their own benefit while misleading the average person through psychological tactics.
If unsure, numerous sub-regional sociocultural pressure groups operate with conflicting objectives. However, they lack substantial impact. The top-tier organization includes the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF). Additionally, we find entities such as the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), the League of Northern Democrats (LND), and Arewa New Agenda (ANA) among others.
Every time someone whose ego has been hurt or who has missed out or has fallen from grace within the complex world of upper-level politics, conspiracies, or power struggles, they suddenly recall the orphaned Arewa.
It is undeniable that the political elite in Northern Nigeria has not deemed it appropriate to converge on practical solutions for lifting the region from this dire situation. Despite the gravity of these issues, their focus remains fixed exclusively on seizing power. Drug and substance abuse continue to be significant contributors to many problems facing the area. Conversely, young people often find themselves manipulated by these elites, who use illegal substances to maintain control over them, turning them into perpetual political henchmen.
Even though the area boasts a large population, extensive territory, and both arable and fertile land, whether rainfed or not, it has faced numerous derogatory labels and accusations. It has been labeled as receiving handouts, described as parasitic, and accused of relying solely on federal subsidies without contributing significantly to the gross domestic product. These harsh comments came primarily from our neighbors to the south. With visionary leadership dedicated to the socio-economic progress of this region, along with an unwavering passion for development, the abundant human and natural resources could have been leveraged to accelerate industrial-scale growth.
Over the last several weeks, the area has witnessed horrific events. Sadness, grief, and violence have spread widely throughout this region stretching from Benue through Plateau all the way to Zamfara and Borno. Horrifying tales of cruel human acts abound here. Innocent children, women, and elderly individuals were killed with shocking brutality. These people were left unprotected by the systems meant to shield them. Furthermore, local political leaders did not push for an authentic, viable resolution aimed at stopping these pointless assaults. Instead of taking meaningful action beyond offering insincere statements accompanied by standard condemnations via official communications, they proposed nothing extraordinary to stop the wave of murders.
Individually, we should reassess and challenge the logic behind specific sociopolitical choices, particularly those affecting our area and governance. It’s crucial to interrogate and bring to account figures who misuse our shared values under false pretenses of representation. Indifference won’t suffice; it’s time to engage actively. With political maneuvers ramping up towards 2027, vigilance becomes imperative—we must stay alert. Competition has begun anew. Our task now includes identifying genuine voices amidst this clamor as opportunists circle around, hoping once more to manipulate regional interests for personal gain.
Mohammed, who works as a Director at Initiative for Concerned Citizens Against Drug Abuse, shares his insights from Kano via
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