EKO HOT BLOG reports that Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, the spokesperson for the Northern Elders Forum, has expressed high expectations for President Bola Tinubu, stating that the North anticipates better leadership than the disappointing tenure of former President Buhari.
Baba-Ahmed speaking to the Punch highlighted Buhari’s failure to address the nation’s challenges, leaving behind a country worse off than when he took office.
The Northern Elders Forum hopes that Tinubu will learn from Buhari’s shortcomings and establish a government vastly different from the previous administration. They emphasize the urgent need for good governance, national security, and a compassionate approach to governance.
Baba-Ahmed specifically emphasized the need to combat corruption, which he believes is at the root of the country’s insecurity problems. He also stressed the importance of addressing poverty, promoting inclusiveness, and adopting new economic strategies that prioritize the well-being of the people, particularly the poor.
Regarding the current state of the North, Baba-Ahmed urged northern governors to set aside partisan politics and work together to implement pan-northern policies. This includes adopting common approaches to tackle insecurity, poverty, and economic development. He emphasized the importance of northern governors engaging with the rest of the country and fostering a sense of unity.
Responding to discussions about restructuring, the spokesperson clarified that the Northern Elders Forum supports productive and genuine restructuring to address the nation’s challenges. They propose revisiting the number of states and restructuring the governance system to reduce the financial burden on the country and ensure the people have a greater stake in the nation’s affairs.
Addressing the issue of political elites, Baba-Ahmed lamented the lack of enduring national political elites in Nigeria. He emphasized the need for leaders to step up and work together for the betterment of the country, setting aside partisan interests.
Regarding synergy among socio-cultural groups, Baba-Ahmed noted the importance of speaking directly to each other instead of merely addressing the public. He encouraged collaboration among groups like the Middle Belt Forum, Afenifere, and Ohanaeze to foster a unified and strong nation.
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