Former Niger State Governor and Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation, Dr Mu’azu Aliyu, says Northern Nigeria’s persistent challenges are the product of elite complacency, institutional neglect, and decades of misguided policy choices that long predate the current administration.
Speaking at the opening of a two-day Interactive Session on Government-Citizens’ Engagement, held at the Arewa House, Kaduna, Aliyu said while the Tinubu administration inherited many of the region’s problems, Northern political and intellectual elites must accept part of the responsibility.
“Our problems didn’t start today, and they weren’t caused solely by this government.
“Many of us who watched and did nothing must also bear the blame. We failed to act when it mattered most,” he said.
DAILY POST reports that the engagement, convened by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation, builds on its 2022 meeting with presidential candidates and aims to deepen inclusive governance through structured dialogue between policymakers and citizens across Northern Nigeria.
Aliyu listed insurgency, banditry, poverty, the growing number of out-of-school children, porous borders, and youth unemployment as urgent concerns, warning that the growing disconnect between governments and citizens is fueling mistrust, misinformation, and public frustration.
The former Niger governor advocated institutionalised town hall-style meetings nationwide, citing successful global examples where such civic engagement has shaped policy and strengthened democracy.
He further reaffirmed the foundation’s non-partisan stance, stressing its commitment to promoting leadership rooted in justice, equity, and good governance.
