The Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, on Tuesday, took a swipe at prominent northern political leaders, accusing them of shifting blame to President Bola Tinubu for challenges that have long been festering under their watch.
He said the problems bedevilling the region — insecurity, poverty, and educational backwardness — were not created by the Tinubu administration but worsened by the negligence, silence, and inaction of northern elites over the last two decades.
Speaking at a two-day citizen engagement session convened by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation in Kaduna, Governor Sani warned that the era of “blame games” must end, urging northern leaders to take ownership of the region’s crisis and work collaboratively with the Tinubu government for solutions.
“This engagement must go beyond ceremonial speeches. It is a moment for deep reflection,” Sani declared at the event, attended by ministers, federal officials, traditional rulers and members of civil society.
According to him, the gathering was not a political jamboree but a chance to assess promises made by President Tinubu — and more importantly, evaluate the contributions or failings of northern stakeholders themselves.
“Yes, President Tinubu made promises. But let us be honest with ourselves: he has kept faith with the North in many critical areas — security, agriculture, education, economic inclusion. The real question is, have we kept faith with our people as northern leaders?” He asked.
Sani, who governed Kaduna for just over a year after serving in the Senate, said the North must look inwards instead of externalising blame for long-
He criticised the selective memory of some northern politicians who, according to him, kept mute while the region’s socio-economic indicators plummeted — only to turn around and hold Tinubu responsible after just two years in office.
“For over 20 years, insecurity grew, education declined, and poverty deepened. Where were the loud voices now blaming Tinubu when these things took root? It is hypocrisy to now shift responsibility to a government that inherited decades of rot,” the governor said.
Sani noted that no president, no matter how visionary, could solve the North’s problems without active collaboration from state governments, traditional leaders and communities.
“We must stop waiting for Abuja to solve every problem. The North must rise and take charge of its own destiny,” he said.