Former federal lawmaker, Shehu Sani, has called on the northern region to rally behind President Bola Tinubu’s administration rather than leaving the government to those who did not vote for it.
Sani made this appeal in a video seen by journalists, addressing the growing opposition from the North to Tinubu’s Tax Reform Bills currently before the National Assembly.
The reforms have faced widespread criticism, with some alleging they disproportionately target the northern region and others claiming they overburden Nigerians.
In his statement, Sani pointed out the North’s abundant resources and potential, urging the region to focus on self-reliance and support Tinubu’s positive reforms.
“There’s no part of the country that’s so blessed like the northern part of the country. We cover about 65% of the total landmass in Nigeria. Out of the nation’s 235 rivers, almost 70% are located in the northern part of Nigeria.
“Some nations rely on cotton, we are blessed to grow cotton. Some nations rely on sugarcane, we are blessed with growing sugarcane. We are sleeping on a gold mine. There’s no natural resource found anywhere in the world that’s not within the ground level of our soil here in the North.”
Sani urged the North to move away from dependency, adding, “Your reputation, your dignity, your future, and respect for yourself is dependent on your ability to provide sustenance for yourself.”
He reminded the region of its role in Tinubu’s victory, stating, “If I’m not mistaken, this is a government the North brought into office. So why should you antagonize a baby that you delivered?
“You should not leave this government to others who did not vote for it. It’s you that used your tongue and brought them to office. Your demands should be on issues that are on the table.”
Sani also highlighted the North’s significant representation in Tinubu’s cabinet.
“Until now, you have the Minister of Education. The Chief of Defence is always from here. The Minister of Commerce, of Information, is from here. National Security Advisor is from here, Minister of Agriculture is from here, Minister of Defence is from here.
“All the key positions being given by this government are people from this part of the country.”
