Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, says northern politicians have failed the region and must apologise to the people.
He spoke in an interview with TRUST TV.
He added that the government of the day must allow criticism but it should be rooted in the interest of the people, not driven by a quest for power.
“Every democracy must allow criticism, but it must be constructive, and in the interest of the Nigerian people. That’s what we did as activists — not because we wanted power,” he said.
“But when you attack the government and you’ve been part of it… Anyone — like I said — who is from northern Nigeria and held a political office in the last 20 years, we all need to look at ourselves in the mirror and apologise to the people of northern Nigeria. We let them down.”
Sani admitted being part of the system and said northern Nigeria’s challenges stem from decades of underdevelopment and neglect.
“I’ll say it here today — all of us; I was a senator in this country, and the problems of northern Nigeria didn’t start two years ago,” he said.
“We’re talking about developments — or lack thereof — over the past 20 years; I can give you the data and statistics next time we meet.
“I chaired a committee on banking, so I know the poverty index of northern Nigeria. I know how many people, as we speak, are financially excluded.”
The governor said despite massive social intervention spending under former president Muhammadu Buhari, the region grew even worse due to systemic exclusion.
“Don’t forget, when Buhari was president — people forget this — he spent hundreds of billions on social interventions,” he said.
“But I’ll tell you why the north became poorer even after that. Because 70% of the population in northern Nigeria — especially the masses — were completely financially excluded.
“If you’re a former senator, a former member of the house of representatives, a former governor, a former minister, or even a former vice-president from northern Nigeria in the last 20 years — you’re part of the problem. All of us.”
The governor asked political leaders to avoid deceiving citizens with dishonest claims, while expressing respect for critics who speak truthfully and uphold genuine ethical principles.
“And that’s why I believe we must not deceive the people of northern Nigeria. We must not mislead them,” Sani said.
“That’s why I said earlier, I’ve no problem with people criticising the government — people like Dan Bello Galadanchi.
All those individuals, I can tell you, have the moral right to criticise this government. But those who were part of the rot and are now saying they’ve repented — please, I think that’s wrong.”