President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has delivered a powerful message: insecurity in Northern Nigeria is his greatest concern. Speaking through a representative at the 25th Anniversary of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), the president emphasized that the security breakdown in the North is a national emergency requiring immediate action.
A Paralysed Limb of the Nation
Tinubu stated plainly:
“Nothing troubles me more gravely than the security crisis bedevilling Nigeria, especially Northern Nigeria… We cannot prosper when one limb of the national body is paralysed.”
He stressed that although his administration inherited deeply rooted challenges, they are being addressed with renewed urgency.
Urgency, Determination, and a Path Forward
The president outlined several areas of focus:
- A pledge to eliminate terrorists and bandit groups operating in the North.
- Renewed efforts toward a broad economic revival, including hopes that northern crude oil fields like Kolmani will become new engines of prosperity.
- A commitment to complete the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Superhighway, which he described as a priority project nearing commissioning.
A Call for Honest Northern Leadership
Tinubu also issued a pointed appeal to northern leaders, urging them to demonstrate courage and honesty in confronting insecurity. He warned that the region cannot move forward unless leaders stand firmly with vulnerable communities.
He cautioned:
“We fail the day we sleep comfortably while millions sleep with empty bellies, the day fear becomes a permanent companion for travellers…”
National Implications
His remarks come at a time when:
- Northern elders have been calling on the president to declare a state of emergency over insecurity.
- Tinubu has reaffirmed his intention to establish state police, which he believes will strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.
The president’s comments highlight the reality that restoring stability in the North is essential for national unity, economic growth, and long-term peace.
Final Thought: A Moment of Reckoning
Tinubu’s admission that northern insecurity troubles him “gravely” raises crucial questions:
- Will his administration back these strong words with consistent, effective action?
- Can northern leaders set aside politics to protect their people?
- And can Nigeria finally heal one of its most wounded regions?
For many Nigerians, the president’s statement is both an acknowledgment of the crisis and a call for collective responsibility. Lasting change, however, will depend on unwavering political will and bold reforms.
References
- Daily Trust – Report on Tinubu’s statement at the ACF 25th Anniversary: https://dailytrust.com/northern-insecurity-troubling-me-most-tinubu
- Vanguard Newspaper – Northern elders’ call for a state of emergency: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/06/northern-elders-to-tinubu-declare-state-of-emergency-in-north-over-insecurity
- Vanguard Newspaper – Tinubu’s comments on creating state police: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/09/insecurity-i-have-to-create-state-police-tinubu
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