A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, Otunba Segun Showunmi, has called on northern leaders to focus on human development, accountability, and economic empowerment. In an open letter, Showunmi warned that the region risks missing another opportunity to transform its fortunes if urgent action is not taken. He cited persistent poverty, insecurity, educational challenges, and inadequate economic opportunities as major concerns.
Showunmi argued that Northern Nigeria cannot achieve meaningful progress if regional identity continues to shield political leaders from scrutiny. He emphasised that the region must move beyond political loyalty and assess its leaders based on measurable improvements in the lives of the people. According to him, the region's challenges demand urgent action from the political class and citizens.
The PDP chieftain reflected on the legacies of the late Premier of Northern Nigeria, Sir Ahmadu Bello, and former Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa. He urged the present generation to assess its performance against the aspirations associated with the founding leaders. Showunmi questioned what explanations contemporary Northern leaders would offer for the region's persistent development challenges.
Showunmi maintained that Northern Nigeria possesses the human and material resources required to achieve substantial progress but has yet to realise much of its potential. He attributed the region's challenges partly to leadership decisions, public policies, institutional weaknesses, and the failure of successive generations to address longstanding problems effectively.
The letter also urged Northern Nigerians to place the long-term welfare of the region above partisan interests and individual leaders' ambitions. Showunmi emphasised that the region's future depends on its willingness to confront uncomfortable truths, demand accountability, and seize opportunities to improve the lives of its people.
On President Bola Tinubu's administration, Showunmi acknowledged that the Federal Government has embarked on major economic reforms intended to address structural weaknesses in the economy. However, he noted that the measures have also imposed significant immediate hardships on vulnerable households. Showunmi said the reforms should be assessed based on their implementation, measurable outcomes, and ability to improve the living conditions of ordinary Nigerians.
Showunmi raised questions about the impact of the reforms, including whether they will stimulate investment, improve productivity, strengthen public finances, expand employment opportunities, and enable the government to fund essential infrastructure and public services. He also emphasised that Northern Nigeria must prepare its people to benefit from any economic opportunities arising from the reforms.
Key points
- Otunba Segun Showunmi urges northern leaders to focus on human development and curb poverty.
- The region's challenges demand urgent action from the political class and citizens.
- Showunmi questions what explanations contemporary Northern leaders would offer for the region's persistent development challenges.
