PRESS STATEMENT BY CSO’s STRATEGIST IN RESPONSE TO MUSA KWANKWASO’S CLAIM ON FEDERAL GOVERNMENT’S NEGLECT OF NORTHERN NIGERIA

Rabiu Kwankwaso

The attention of CSO’s Strategist, a human rights advocacy and governance watchdog group, has been drawn to the recent comment by former Kano State Governor, ex-Minister of Defence, and the 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Alhaji Musa Rabiu Kwankwaso, accusing the Federal Government of Nigeria under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of neglecting the Northern region.
We find this assertion not only misleading but also dangerously political, especially coming from an elder statesman who ought to uphold facts and national unity over self-serving ambition.

NORTHERN NIGERIA UNDER PRESIDENT BOLA TINUBU: FACTS, NOT FICTION

As a civil society coalition with a microscopic lens on governance, appointments, and development distribution, we wish to state categorically that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has given the North particularly the North West an unprecedented representation, attention, and development investment.
Let’s take a dispassionate look at the current realities:

1. HIGHEST POLITICAL REPRESENTATION FROM THE NORTH

Kano State alone, where Alhaji Kwankwaso hails from, has emerged as the single most favoured state in terms of strategic appointments under the current government:

* Deputy Senate President – Sen. Barau Jibrin (Kano)
* Ministerial Appointments
* Numerous Board Chairmanships and Memberships
* Newly Created North West Development Commission (NWDC) – a legacy institution aimed at addressing regional development gaps.
* Former APC National Chairman – Alhaji Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, immediate past governor of Kano State, served until recently on health grounds.

These appointments are not just symbolic but strategic in positioning Kano and the North West as key stakeholders in the national decision-making table.

From a broader northern perspective:

* Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria – Sen. Kashim Shettima (North East)
* Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) – Sen. George Akume (North Central)
* Speaker, House of Representatives – Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas – (North West)
* National Security Adviser – Malam Nuhu Ribadu (North East)
* New APC National Chairman – North Central
* Chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) – North Central

2. STATISTICAL BREAKDOWN OF TINUBU’S APPOINTMENTS
According to verified data:

North West: 36 appointees
North Central: 25 appointees
North East: 24 appointees
South West: 29 appointees
South South: 22 appointees
South East: 16 appointees
Total Northern Appointees: 85
Total Southern Appointees: 67

This factual distribution invalidates any narrative of northern neglect. In fact, the North enjoys the lion’s share in key political appointments and national governance structure.

3. INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT: THE NORTH TAKES CENTER STAGE

President Tinubu’s administration is not only focused on appointments but on legacy infrastructural development to uplift the Northern economy and ensure regional balance. Some of the critical projects include:

* Abuja –Kaduna–Zaria–Kano Road
– N740.79 billion injection; set for completion by 2026.
* Sokoto–Badagry Highway (1,068km)
– Groundbreaking in October 2024; includes a rail line for integrated logistics.
* Borno Ring Road
– Enhancing intra-state connectivity and security management in the Northeast.
* Abuja–Lokoja–Benin Road
– Now using concrete technology for durability and dualization; re-awarded at N305 billion.
* Mile-Oturkpo–Makurdi Road
– Strategic for Middle Belt and Northern economic flows.
* Bode Saadu–Kaima–Kosubosu Road in Kwara State
– Being developed under the BUA Group Tax Credit Scheme.

NNPCL Tax Credit Scheme Projects

– These include the dualisation of Kano highways, Sokoto–Zamfara–Katsina–Kaduna roads, among others.

These projects are not political window-dressing but well-thought-out developmental strategies aimed at connecting Northern produce to Southern markets, empowering farmers, reducing transportation stress, and facilitating national cohesion through infrastructure.

4. CSO’S STRATEGIST POSITION

We, as a civic-minded group committed to transparency, inclusivity, and facts-based advocacy, reject the politically motivated comments made by Alhaji Kwankwaso. We believe:
– His comments are aimed at galvanizing political sentiments to fuel another presidential ambition.
– He is attempting to woo perceived Buhari loyalists and followers by painting an inaccurate picture of neglect.
– His statement, if left unchecked, could undermine national unity and dampen public trust in legitimate development progress.

5. A CALL FOR STATESMANSHIP, NOT SENTIMENTS

As a senior Nigerian and respected politician, we expect Alhaji Kwankwaso to adopt a statesman-like posture, offering constructive suggestions rather than igniting ethno-political flames. The North, like every other region, deserves development. And under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the region is not only being included, but prioritized.
This is not the time for divisionary rhetoric; Nigeria needs leaders who build, not those who burn bridges for political gain.

CONCLUSION

The Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government has shown resilience, sincerity, and focus in building a more equitable Nigeria. We call on all well-meaning Nigerians to continue supporting this administration as it delivers on its Renewed Hope Agenda.

FOR CSO’s STRATEGIST
E-Signed:
Balogun Hameed
Convener
Frontline socio-economy Research centre (FSRC)

Co- Conveners
* Workbond international Network (WIN)
* Yoruba Youth Assembly (YYA)
* Congress of Nigeria youth League (CNYL)
* Lagos State Liberation Congress (LASLIC)
* People’s Accountability and Transparency (PAT)
* Vanguard for Social Justice (VSJ)
* Centre for Human Rights (CHR)
* Centre for Peace Initiatives (CPI)