Tinubu, Arewa And Ismaeel Ahmed, Esq.

By

Tahir Ibrahim Tahir, Talban Bauchi

Published twice—most recently on the 22nd of June 2025—my earlier article titled “Tinubu and Arewa” recounted a conversation I had back in 2011 with Ismaeel Ahmed, Esq., a long-time friend from our university days. Ismaeel had become deeply involved in national politics and was then passionately championing the merger talks between the CPC and the ACN.

I vividly recall how, during a heated conversation, he first introduced me to the political vision of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, now Nigeria’s President. “Tahir,” he said, “Tinubu reminded us that 70% of the land in Nigeria lies in the North, and it is all arable. What he wants is a political marriage between the North and the Southwest, so that both regions can collaborate in exploring and developing the North’s agricultural potential.”

He went on to pose a striking question from Tinubu: “Imagine if we had all this land in the Southwest?” The logic was simple and compelling: the North’s abundant land resources combined with the South’s business acumen could transform Nigeria. Though the merger failed in 2011, it finally succeeded in 2015. Back then, insecurity had worsened, and the North’s push for power seemed justified—especially with fears that President Goodluck Jonathan was on course to secure a third consecutive term, following President Obasanjo’s eight years and President Yar’adua’s brief tenure.

Fast-forward to today: Tinubu is President, yet a troubling narrative persists—that he is an “enemy of Arewa.” This, apparently, is based on claims that Northerners have been sidelined in key appointments. But is this truly the case?

Let’s take a closer look.

A Government with Strong Arewa Representation

In Tinubu’s administration, the Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abu Kyari, is from the North. So is the Minister of State for Agriculture, Senator Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi. Under their leadership, over 2,000 tractors and 10,000 implements have been delivered as part of an initial phase of a 10,000-truck rollout. Additionally, over 2.1 million bags of fertilizer were distributed during the last farming season, leading to a historic drop in food prices. Just recently, the price of beans fell sharply—proving that food availability, the cornerstone of the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, is being achieved. Affordability is the next frontier.

Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, the Minister of Foreign Affairs—another Northerner—is from Bauchi State. As a former Ambassador to Germany, he brings vast experience and has been instrumental in revitalizing Nigeria’s foreign relations. From Qatar to Brazil, and from Saudi Arabia to Chad, Nigeria is building new alliances and strengthening old ones. A recent joint military effort by Nigeria, Chad, and Niger led to the neutralization of over 100 terrorists on the fringes of Lake Chad.

In health, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, also from Bauchi State, is one of the stars of the administration. His leadership has seen over 4,000 free caesarean operations conducted nationwide and an additional four million Nigerians added to the National Health Insurance Scheme—raising total coverage to 20 million, the highest in our history. His ministry has also launched an Enterprise Content Management system (ECM) to drive paperless governance. With a target of 80% digitisation by 2025 and full transition by 2030, this is one of the most forward-thinking reforms ever undertaken in the civil service.

Security and Defence—Arewa at the Helm

The National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, is leading a bold offensive against terrorism. Bandit leaders like Turji are now begging for amnesty after suffering heavy losses to combined forces of vigilantes and security operatives. The Minister of Defence, Alhaji Badaru Abubakar, and the Minister of State for Defence, Alhaji Bello Matawalle—both from Arewa—have overseen massive arms acquisitions, helicopter deliveries, and advanced training for troops. Indigenous defence manufacturers are also being supported and are now exporting to other countries.

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, also hails from the North. His leadership is seeing tangible results in the fight against Boko Haram, ISWAP, IPOB, and banditry. The Navy is acquiring fast warships, and the DSS now operates special tactical units in collaboration with civilian vigilantes.

More Arewa Voices in Governance

Numerous other key appointments from the North abound:

• Minister of Housing
• Minister of Culture and Tourism
• Minister of Women Affairs
• Minister of Police Affairs
• Minister of State for Works
• Minister of State for Regional Development
• Professor Nentawe Yilwatda (Minister of Humanitarian Affairs)
• Professor Suwaiba Ahmad (Minister of State for Education)

Hadiza Bala Usman serves as Special Adviser on Policy and Coordination. Ya’u Darazo and Masari are both Special Advisers on Politics. Abdulaziz Abdulaziz handles media for the President. Governor Masari chairs TETFund; former Governor Ganduje heads FAAN. Dr. Aminu Maida is the NCC Executive Vice Chairman. Governor Almakura now chairs UBEC. NASENI is under the youthful Khalil Suleiman Halilu. Adamu Garba heads the NERC. Zubaida Umar, Director-General of NEMA, has earned staff-wide commendation for her leadership. The DG of NPA is Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho.

And of course, the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima—Arewa’s political lion—is leading the Pulaku Initiative, with over ?50 billion as seed funding for restoring terror-ravaged Northern communities, starting with Kaduna’s Tudun Biri.

Ismaeel Ahmed: A Symbol of Youthful Promise

Returning to the barrister at the heart of this story: Ismaeel Buba Ahmed, Esq. He has just been appointed the Executive Chairman of the Presidential CNG Initiative (PCNGi). True to form, he hit the ground running—launching CNG buses, ambulances, and pickup trucks at the Defence Headquarters. A dedicated APC stalwart, Ismaeel represents the youthful vigour and vision Arewa needs. He is competent, committed, and has been loyal to the party since its inception.

So, who says Tinubu does not appoint Northerners? Who says he neglects loyalists, or side-lines Northern technocrats?

A Manufactured Narrative

The anti-Arewa sentiment is being pushed by disgruntled elites—many of whom lost out in the last administration and are desperate to remain in power. Their outrage will vanish the moment they secure appointments. The so-called “Tinubu-is-anti-Arewa” vehicle is being driven with no destination—except perhaps a return to political relevance for its drivers.

Well-meaning Northern youths see through this. We thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Knight Commander of the Order of Saint Lucia (KCOSL), for Ismaeel’s appointment and others like him. We won’t let you down, Mr. President.

On your mandate we stand, Sir—as a younger generation of patriotic Nigerians from the North. We are committed to your success and the restoration of our region. May Allah help us all.
Amin.