Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations, Rep. Abubakar Bichi, has called on Northerners to support President Bola Tinubu's re-election bid. In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Dutse, Jigawa State, Bichi stated that the North should allow the South to complete its eight-year tenure before power shifts back to the region. He argued that the North had already enjoyed eight years in power under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Bichi, who represents Bichi Federal Constituency of Kano State, dismissed claims that Tinubu had neglected Northern Nigeria. He insisted that the region had benefited significantly from the administration's policies, infrastructure projects, and other interventions. According to Bichi, the growing support for Tinubu's re-election in the North is impressive, with a large turnout at the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rallies.
Bichi cited Jigawa as an example of the president's commitment to the region's development. He mentioned that Tinubu had approved about N80bn for the Greater Dutse Water Project to address one of the state's major developmental challenges. Additionally, he highlighted ongoing and completed road projects in the state, particularly the Kano-Hadejia road, which spans approximately 200 kilometres.
The lawmaker further mentioned several irrigation projects that had been completed in Jigawa, describing the interventions as evidence of the Federal Government's commitment to infrastructure development and agriculture in the region. He listed Kano, Jigawa, Katsina, Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara among the states that had benefited from the president's development initiatives.
Bichi expressed confidence that the people of Kano would appreciate Tinubu's contributions, promising to provide further details of projects executed in the state. He urged Northerners to reciprocate what he described as the president's commitment to the region by supporting his administration and recognising its achievements.
The lawmaker maintained that Tinubu's performance should be assessed beyond political affiliations, urging residents of the region to support the president in completing his tenure. He encouraged Northerners to support Tinubu's re-election bid, saying that power will return to the North after the president completes his constitutionally permitted second term.
Bichi's call for support comes as the president's administration continues to implement policies and projects aimed at developing the region. With the president's commitment to the North evident, it remains to be seen how his re-election bid will be received by the people. One thing is certain, however, Rep. Bichi is confident that Tinubu's efforts will be recognised and rewarded.
Key points
- Rep. Abubakar Bichi urges Northerners to support President Bola Tinubu's re-election bid.
- Bichi says power will return to the North after Tinubu's second term.
- The lawmaker cites several development projects in Jigawa and other states as evidence of Tinubu's commitment to the region.
