Elder statesman Dr. Usman Bugaje has strongly criticised Nigeria’s political elite, accusing them of failing to address the country’s pressing challenges, particularly in the North. He warned that history will not forgive them for their failures.
Speaking at the Arewa Movement for Good Governance Conference in Kaduna on Saturday, themed “The North and the Dangers Looming on the Horizon: The Need for a New Conversation and a New Narrative,” Dr. Bugaje decried the state of poverty, insecurity, and economic decline in the region.
He noted that nearly 60% of students in tertiary institutions are unable to continue their education due to financial constraints, while over 33 million Nigerians are facing starvation. He also lamented the depreciation of the naira, stating that the minimum wage can no longer buy a bag of rice.
Dr. Bugaje stated, “For over 25 years of Nigeria’s democracy, poverty has more than doubled in the region, with over 33 million Nigerians facing starvation.
He further criticized the weakening of traditional institutions and the involvement of religious leaders in money politics, accusing them of being drawn into a system dominated by violence and corruption.
His words, “The North is facing serious challenges, and we are not addressing them. It’s worrying and disturbing. We need to sit down and address these issues.
“Insecurity has spread and escalated to previously inconceivable levels, frustrating trade, commerce, and agriculture—the mainstay of the region’s economy. Public institutions are decaying and failing in service delivery.”
He further lamented the state of infrastructure, particularly electricity, describing it as epileptic, with neighboring Niger Republic appearing to be doing better.
“The social sector is the worst hit, as human capital is dwindling, and there are no jobs for the largely unemployable youth. In short, Nigeria is simply not working.
“Our shameless politicians bask in false glory, reading empty speeches, embellished by a growing industry of praise singers, hangers-on, and an army of thugs, many of whom are drug users.
“Here we are, on a dangerous trajectory with no future to look forward to. With 20 million out-of-school children, most of whom are in the North, we are sitting on a time bomb. Nearly 60% of students in tertiary institutions in the North cannot return to school,” he lamented.
Dr. Bugaje also criticized the weakening of traditional institutions by political office holders, whom he described as epitomes of decadence.
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“Many of our religious leaders have been enticed with money and drawn into a political culture dominated by violence, money politics, and the inordinate ambitions of people determined to rule by any means possible,” he added.
He emphasized that the primary problem of Nigeria is leadership and called for a consensus among northern elites to tackle the region’s challenges.
“History will not forgive Nigerian elites for their failure to address the problems facing the entire country,” he warned.
Also speaking at the event, Chairman of the Organizing Committee and former Kaduna State Commissioner for Education, Mr. Tom Maiyashi, warned that the North is on the verge of collapse.He urged northerners to come together and save the region for the sake of future generations. “Northern elites must come back to their senses and address the challenges of the region,” he stressed.#Bugaje
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