Vice President Kashim Shettima recently addressed concerns about President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to the Northern region, stressing that it is wrong to suggest that the North has been neglected. Speaking in an interview with Radio France’s RFI Hausa Service, Shettima emphasized that the Northern region is blessed with abundant resources and should not be associated with poverty.
Shettima expressed his understanding of the recent protests in the region, acknowledging the right of citizens to voice their grievances peacefully. However, he warned against the involvement of politicians with bad intentions and the potential for chaos. He reassured the public that President Tinubu, a seasoned politician, would never deny anyone their rights, but he found the recent disturbances deeply troubling.
Addressing the challenges facing the North, Shettima outlined the government’s plans to support the region. He mentioned a foundation aimed at boosting agriculture, with a significant fund of 100 billion naira allocated to assist 500 million farmers, many of whom are from the North. Additionally, the government has established the Ministry of Livestock to cater to the needs of livestock herders, who predominantly reside in the Northern region. In response to the rising cost of living, the government has also released 42,000 tons of food from its reserves to alleviate hunger.
Shettima also highlighted the government’s decision to increase the minimum wage from 30,000 naira to 70,000 naira, emphasizing that the administration is committed to easing the hardships faced by the people. He reassured citizens that the President has their best interests at heart and is aware of the difficulties caused by the removal of oil subsidies. The Vice President acknowledged that the current administration is dealing with the consequences of decades of mismanagement but vowed to take responsibility and find solutions.
In response to accusations that the Tinubu administration favors the South over the North, Shettima dismissed these claims as baseless. He pointed out that out of the 46 ministers in the current government, 24 are from the North. He highlighted key appointments, such as the Ministers of Defense, Agriculture, and Education, all of whom are from Northern states. Shettima argued that these appointments demonstrate the President’s commitment to the North.
Furthermore, Shettima noted the establishment of the North West Development Commission and the Ministry of Livestock as clear indicators of the administration’s focus on uplifting the Northern region. He also mentioned that while some ministries are led by Southerners, major parastatals within those ministries are headed by Northerners, further disproving claims of regional neglect.
The Vice President stressed that President Tinubu is deeply grateful to the North for its support during the elections, where 63% of the votes came from the region. Shettima acknowledged that political opponents would always find something to criticize, but he assured the public that the President’s actions reflect his deep appreciation for the North.
In terms of his own role, Shettima revealed plans to convene a meeting with Northern Governors, wealthy Northerners, politicians, and other stakeholders to address the region’s economic and security challenges. He emphasized that the North, with its abundant resources, should not be struggling with poverty. Shettima called on Northern business tycoons, including Aliko Dangote and others, to join forces in finding a way forward.
Shettima concluded by expressing confidence that through unity and a collective commitment, the North can overcome its challenges. He emphasized that the upcoming meeting with Northern leaders would not be just a formality, but a serious effort to bring about real change in the region.
