…Says, remarks fail to recognize North’s pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s destiny.
…Says, it’s attempt to curry favor with Tinubu, assuage guilt.
…Says, calls on northerners to support Tinubu 2027 unnecessary.
by Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
A Northerner and title holder, under Jama’a Emirates Council in Kaduna State, Sanusi A.S. Maikudi, has opened fire on former Speaker, Lawal Dogara, over his recent explosive speech against Northerners, who have ruled the country for years.
The former Speaker, Rt. Hon. Yakubu, had late last year 2024, delivered an explosive speech, entitled: ‘North Ruled for 40 Years Without Result to Show.’
In a rejoinder written against the former Speaker’s speech, Sanusi A.S. Maikudi (Dan Iyan Jema’a Network for Justice Kaduna – Nigeria), explained that Dogara failed to recognize North’s pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s destiny.
Sanusi Maikudi, in an aggressive manner stated that, Dogara’s speech is “politically motivated, and an attempt to curry favor with Tinubu to assuage guilt for his opposition.”
He also stated that, calling northerners to support Tinubu in 2027 by Dogara is unnecessary, saying, North has already given their support in 2023 elections, despite Dogara’s open opposition to Muslim-Muslim ticket.
The statement reads: “Rejoinder to Rt. Hon. Yakubu Speech: ‘North Ruled for 40 Years Without Result to Show.’
“Dear Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, I write with respect to your recent remarks during the town hall meeting for Christian leaders in Northern Nigeria, where you claimed that the North ruled Nigeria for over 40 years “without results to show.”
“While your critique of leadership within the region raises important concerns, it is imperative to clarify certain misconceptions and provide a balanced perspective on the North’s legacy.
“You Are a Product of Northern Leadership’s Legacy. If anyone claims that the North ruled for 40 years without results, it certainly must not be you, Rt. Hon. Dogara.
“Your political and professional journey is itself an iconic result of Northern leadership’s vision and investment in Nigeria’s development.
“From your education at the University of Jos – a legacy of Northern leadership – to your rise to the position of Speaker of the House of Representatives via the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) (conceived in the North), your success is a testament to the opportunities created by the North’s leadership,” he stated.
On Northern Leaders’ Role in Nigeria’s Development, Maikudi stated that, “For the record, Northern leaders have been instrumental in shaping Nigeria’s policies, institutions, and infrastructure, which have propelled the nation to become Africa’s largest economy and the 20th largest in the world.
“The North played pivotal roles in establishing: The Federal Capital Territory (FCT), a symbol of national unity; the National Assembly Complex, where you once exercised significant power.
“Policies that drove Nigeria’s economic growth, including the establishment of key institutions like the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and regulatory frameworks that spurred development.
“These achievements underscore the North’s significant contributions to Nigeria’s progress, even amid challenges,” Sanusi stated.
On challenges in the North, Sanusi ascribed it to “Global Perspective,” adding, “While the North faces undeniable challenges, these must be viewed within a global context.
“The world today is marked by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity (VUCA). Northern Nigeria is not alone in grappling with these issues; even Europe endured the Dark Ages for over 500 years before experiencing its well-documented Renaissance.
“Northern Nigeria, with its rich history and resilience, will recover and shine as a giant in the Sahel and Sub-Saharan Africa,” he noted.
On Supporting President Tinubu, he stated that, Dogara’s call for Northerners to support President Bola Tinubu appears unnecessary, stressing that, “The North has already demonstrated overwhelming support for him in the 2023 elections, despite your open opposition, based on the Muslim-Muslim ticket.
“Your speech now seems politically motivated, perhaps as an attempt to curry favor with the President and assuage guilt for your opposition. Northerners do not need your sermons to support a leader they have already embraced,” he stressed.
On the need for constructive criticism, he stated that, “Rather than dismissing the North’s legacy, you should focus on constructive criticism that acknowledges its achievements, while addressing areas for improvement. The narrative of failure is not only inaccurate but also detrimental to the unity and progress we seek as a nation.
“Rt. Hon. Dogara, your remarks fail to recognize the North’s pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s destiny. While challenges persist, the North’s contributions to national development cannot be overlooked.
“As a product of these achievements, you should inspire hope and unity, not propagate narratives that undermine the region’s legacy. Northern Nigeria will overcome its challenges and continue to be a cornerstone of Nigeria’s greatness,” he concluded.