A youth organization has categorically described the northern governors from 1999 to date as the greatest enemies of the region for refusing to demonstrate the right kind of leadership for the people of the region but rather use such opportunity to build their political nests.
This was stated by the President of the Alliance of Progressive Areas Youth, Abubakar Isah Bakori during a press conference in Kano on Tuesday.
“At this juncture, therefore we wish to state categorically that the greatest enemies of the North are the governors of its states from 1999 to date.
“They did not demonstrate the right kind of leadership expected of them. If only they remember the foundation on which the North was built and they tried to build on that foundation, the story would have been different. With minimal resources prudent management, transparency and accountability, Sir Ahmadu Bello and his were able to lay strong foundation for the region with world class infrastructure in education, healthcare, roads and housing. Where are we today?”
The group also lamented over the deterioration of the region, how it has become voiceless especially as no role is given to the traditional rulers in the region despite the level of respect they enjoy from the public.
“Agreed that our traditional do not have any defined role in the constitution, but they are still held in high respect and as fathers of the land.
“They are closer to the people and know the problem s of each community under their domain across the state. Rather than according them their right place as fathers of the land and important partners for development of the state, some state governments for political expediency have relegated them to the background.
“We are living witnesses to the near absence of the region’s voice of conscience which is that of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF). Today ACF exists only in name because they are not accorded their rightful place as elders and conscience of the North,” the group stated.
The youth group finally resolved that all EndSARS protests be henceforth suspended as a think tank forum is established to brainstorm on the major issues confronting the North.
“We have resolved to convene an emergency conference that will involve all stakeholders such as governors, elected legislative members of states and National, traditional institutions, elders and youth groups religious clerics and general public.
“The emergency conference shall be entitled as Emergency Northern Conference with the theme: Who will speak for the North?
“Any governor that refuses to attend the conference without any justification will be tagged enemy of the North and its progress and his future political opportunity blocked.” he stated.